self up to the foot of the tree, and once there, braced
himself firmly with his feet, and tied his handkerchief around his
forehead, to keep the blood out of his eyes. Seizing the dead bird by
the feet, he swung it around with might and main and struck the male,
which had continued beating him incessantly.

It was a strange weapon--a dead eagle against a live one, and the boy's
constrained position prevented his using it with much effect. So
lacking, indeed, were the blows in force, that the male flew directly
at his face. The sorely beset lad dropped the dead bird and fastened
both hands around the throat of his assailant. The latter fought
desperately, but the young hero never released his grip, until it
ceased its struggles. Then he flung it from him, and it tumbled
downward to the professor's feet.

This gentleman had done his best to help his young friend, but was
unable to do so. The lad, after resting awhile, picked his way down to
the ground, where his feet had hardly touched when he fainted in the
professor's arms. He soon rallied, however, though his wounds were so
severe that he was obliged to keep his bed for several weeks.

The two eaglets were found uninjured, and were safely carried to the
professor's home, as were the bodies of the dead birds. They were
mounted by Professor McInery, who, in consideration of the danger
undergone by the boy, and the two extra birds, presented Lee with $100,
and no one will deny that the money was well earned.

WHO SHALL EXPLAIN IT?

Let me begin by saying that I was never a believer in signs, omens, or
the general superstitions which, it must be admitted, influence most
people to a greater or less degree. I have been the thirteenth guest
at more than one table, without my appetite being affected; I have
tipped over my salt-cellar without a twinge of fear; I have never
turned aside to avoid passing under a leaning ladder, and I do not care
a jot whether the first glimpse of the new moon is over my right or
left shoulder.

I had a little boy Bob, who was fourteen years old on the last
anniversary of American independence. Being our only son, his mother
and myself held him close to our hearts. In fact, I am sure no little
fellow was ever regarded with more affectionate love than our Bob. The
painful story which, with much hesitation, I have set out to tell is
one, therefore, that no member of our little family can ever forget.

We always tried to act