g his command, and
rushing upon Fritz, he caught hold of the dog. Then placing the hound
between his legs, he held him with both hands and knees as tightly as if
Fritz had been screwed in a vice.

The eyes of all--the dog included--were now turned upon Ossaroo. Caspar
contemplated his movements with an undefined interest; while Karl
watched them with feelings of the keenest anxiety.

The cunning shikaree had not come to the spot unprepared. Having
anticipated some difficulty in getting hold of the storks, he had
providentially provided a lure, which, in the event of their proving
shy, might attract them within reach of his _ringall_. This lure was a
large fish--which he had taken out of the larder before leaving the hut,
and which he was now holding out--as conspicuously as possible, to
attract their attention. He had gone some distance apart from the
others, and especially from Fritz, whom he had scolded away from his
side; and, having stationed himself on a slight eminence near the edge
of the lake, he was using all his wiles to coax back the birds that had
been so unwittingly compelled to take wing.

It was evident to Ossaroo--as well as to the others--that the flight of
the storks had been against their will; and that they had reluctantly
ascended into the air. They were no doubt wearied, and wanted rest.

Whether this desire would have brought them to the earth again, Ossaroo
did not stay to determine. As soon as by their actions he became
convinced that they saw the fish held out in his hand, he flung the
tempting morsel to some distance from him, and then stood awaiting the
result.

It proved a success--and almost instantaneously.

There was nothing in the appearance or attitude of Ossaroo to excite the
suspicion of the adjutants. His dark skin and Hindoo costume were both
well-known to them; and though now observed in an odd, out-of-the-way
corner of the world, that was no reason for regarding him as an enemy.

Fritz was alone the object of their fear, but Fritz was a good way off,
and there appeared no longer any reason for dreading him.

Reasoning thus--and perhaps with empty stomachs to guide them to a
conclusion--the sight of the fish--lying unguarded upon the grass--put
an end to their fears; and, without further hesitation, both dropped
down beside it.

Both at the same instant clutched at the coveted prize--each
endeavouring to be the first in securing it.

As one of the birds had got