ng--nothing but the
rush baskets filled with the lotus beans. To obtain a snare, it would
be necessary to make a journey to the hut.

In the minds of our adventurers there was no very clear conception of
the object of capturing the storks: unless it might have been that the
thought, to which Caspar had given speech, was still entertained by
himself and his brother. That indeed would have justified them in their
attempt to take the birds.

Another idea may have suggested itself--more especially to Ossaroo. If
nothing else should come of it, there would be some pleasure in holding
the birds in captivity--as pets and companions. Ossaroo had been
involuntarily contemplating the prospect of a long lonely life in the
solitude of that mountain valley. With such a prospect even the solemn
stork might be regarded as a cheerful companion.

Stimulated by these thoughts--and some others of a more indefinite
kind--our adventurers came to the determination to ensnare the
_adjutants_!

All three commenced wading out of the lake--in a direction so as not to
disturb the sleepers. Karl and Caspar--now that they had become
inspired with a design--lifted their feet out of the water, and set them
down again, as though they ere treading upon egg. Ossaroo sneered at
their over-caution--telling them, that there was not the slightest fear
of frightening the storks; and indeed there was truth in what he
affirmed.

In most countries bordering upon the banks of the Ganges, these birds,
protected alike by superstitious fears and edicts of law, have become so
used to the proximity of man, that they will scarce stir out of their
way to avoid him. It was possible that the brace in question might have
belonged to some of the wilder flocks--inhabiting the swamps of the
Sunderbunds--and therefore less accustomed to human society. In that
case there might be some difficulty in approaching them; and it was for
this reason that Ossaroo had consented to adopt the precautions for
their capture which Karl had insisted should be taken.

The truth is, that Karl had conceived a deeper design than either of his
companions. It had occurred to him--while engaged with his brother in
that laughing duetto--and somewhat to the surprise of Caspar, it had
caused a sudden cessation of his mirth, or at least the noisy ebullition
of it.

The philosopher had become silent and serious; as if the thought had
suddenly arisen, that hilarity under the circumstan