and see if the papa is within hail."

Hans did but bare justice to the cock ostrich when he said he was a
gallant bird. It is within the mark to say that he is not only a
pattern husband, but a most exemplary father, for, besides guarding his
wife and her nest most jealously by day, he relieves her at night, and
sits himself on the nest, while his better-half takes food and
relaxation.

While Hans rode forward a few hundred yards, the cock, which chanced to
be out feeding on the plain, observed his wife running excitedly among
the bushes, and at the same moment caught a glimpse of the Dutchman.

Seven-league boots could not have aided that ostrich! With mighty
strides and outstretched wings the giant bird rushed in furious rage to
defend its nest. Hans saw it, and, instantly putting spurs to his
horse, also made for the nest, but the ostrich beat him.

"Look out, Charlie!" shouted Hans.

Charlie did look out, somewhat anxiously too, turning his head nervously
from side to side, for while the thunder of hoofs and the warning cry of
Hans assailed him on one side, a rushing and hissing sound was heard on
the other. The suspense did not last long. A few seconds later, and
the ostrich appeared, bearing down on him with railway speed. He raised
his gun and fired, but in the haste of the moment missed. The cap of
the second barrel snapped. He clubbed his gun, but, before he could
raise it, the ferocious bird was on him. Towering high over his head,
it must have been between eight and nine feet in height. One kick of
its great two-toed foot sufficed. The ostrich kicks forward, as a man
might when he wishes to burst in a door with his foot, and no
prize-fighter can hit out with greater celerity, no horse can kick with
greater force. If the blow had taken full effect it would probably have
been fatal, but Considine leaped back. It reached him, however--on the
chest,--and knocked him flat on the nest, where he lay stunned amid a
wreck of eggs.

The vicious bird was about to follow up its victory by dancing on its
prostrate foe, when Hans galloped up. The bird turned on him at once,
with a hiss and a furious rush. The terrified horse reared and wheeled
round with such force as almost to throw Hans, who dropped his gun in
trying to keep his seat. Jumping into the air, and bringing its foot
down with a resounding smack, the bird sent its two formidable nails
deep into the steed's flank, from which blood flowed