go and sweeping round to collect a fresh sheaf, at
intervals wading a pace or two to reach some that were more tempting to
its taste. For several minutes they remained looking at this rare
sight, which would have absorbed the attention of the spectators could
it have been witnessed in a menagerie.

But they regarded it with fear and awe. Their eyes and ears were at the
same time more occupied in looking and listening for some sign that
might veil them of the return of their protectors.

Time passed; none was seen, none heard.

A long time passed, and no sound from the forest; no murmur of men's
voices, or cry of scared bird, to proclaim that any one was approaching
the spot.

The brute was still browsing, but with less apparent voracity. He drew
the shoots toward him with a gentler sweep of his arms, selecting only
the most succulent. His appetite was on the wane; it was evident he
would soon leave off eating and return to his roosting or resting-place.
In the forest, of course, though they knew not where. It might be on
the tree over their heads, or on one close at hand; or it might be afar
off. In any case, they felt that a crisis was approaching.

Both trembled, as they thought how soon they might be face to face with
the hideous creature--confronting it, or perhaps enfolded in its long
hairy arms. And in such an embrace, how would it fare with them? What
chance of escape from it? None! They would be crushed, helpless as
flies in the grasp of a gigantic spider. If the creature should come
that way, and resolve upon assailing them, one or other, or both of
them, would surely be destroyed.

If only one, Henry had fully made up his mind who it should be. The
brave boy had determined to sacrifice his own life, if need be, to save
his sister. Firmly grasping the great musket, he said:--

"Sister Nell, if it come this way and offer to attack us, you keep out
of the scrape. Leave everything to me. Go a good way off when you see
me preparing to fire. I shan't draw trigger till it is close up to the
muzzle of the gun. Then there'll be no fear of missing it. To miss
would only make it all the madder. Saloo said so. If the shot
shouldn't kill it right off, don't mind me. The report may be heard,
and bring father or some of the others to our assistance. Dear sis, no
matter what happens, keep out of the way, and wait till they come up.
Promise me you will do so!"

"Henry! I will not leave you. De