casque or
bonnet-shaped protuberance at the back of their heads was larger, as
were also the tubercles at their nostrils; the red upon their naked
cheeks was of brighter and deeper hue; while their plumage was gayer and
more glossy, the rufous-white portion of it being of a more pronounced
rose or salmon colour. These were the male birds or "cocks" of the
flock, though the difference between them and the hens was much less
than that between chanticleer and the ladies of his barn-yard harem, and
only noticeable when they drew very near to the spectators.

They were still two hundred yards from the spot where the latter lay
watching them, and by the direction in which they were going it was not
likely they would come any nearer. Captain Redwood had taken hold of
the musket, intending to load it with some slugs he chanced to have, and
try a long shot into the middle of the flock; but Saloo restrained him
with a word or two spoken in a whisper. They were,--

"Don't try shot, cappen. Too long way off. You miss all. Maybe they
go lookee place for billy eggs. Much betta we waitee while."

Thus cautioned, the captain laid aside the gun, while they all remained
silently watching the maleos, which continued their course, with its
various divergences, still unconscious of being observed.

When they were nearly in front of the camping-place, at a spot where the
sand lay loose and dry, above the reach of the ordinary tidal influx,
all made a stop at the summons of one who, from the superior style of
his plumage and the greater grandeur of his strut, appeared a very
important individual of the tribe--in all likelihood the "cock of the
walk."

Here a much longer period was spent in the cackling consultation, which
at length came to an end, not as before in their passing on to another
place, but by the whole flock setting to, and with their great clawed
feet scratching up the sand, which they scattered in clouds and showers
all around them.

For a time they were scarce visible, the sand dust flying in every
direction, and concealing the greater portion of them beneath its dun
cloud; and this sort of play was continued for nearly half an hour. It
was not intended for play, however, for when it at length came to a
termination the spectators under the tree could perceive that a large
cavity had been hollowed out in the sand, of such extent, as to diameter
and depth, that more than half the flock, when within its circumferen