r of stout pieces crossed each other like the letter X, fixed in
the bank on either side, and rising a few feet above it. They were then
firmly bound together, as also to a long bamboo of the largest size
which rested on them, and formed the only pathway over which we had to
cross. Another long bamboo, raised three feet above the other on either
side, formed the hand-rails. It was, however, supported also by ratans,
which led from some overhanging trees above it, while other bamboos were
stuck into the banks, and leaning outward over the stream, formed
diagonal supports.

"Come, Emily and Grace," said my uncle. "If you find that I get across
safely, you need have no fear; and I repaired it completely but a few
days ago, little thinking how soon it was to be crossed by any one
else."

When my uncle had got about half-way across the stream, I began to
tremble for his safety. The bamboo seemed to me to be creaking and
cracking, and every instant I expected it to give way. However, he
appeared perfectly at his ease, and walking calmly on, soon reached the
other bank in safety.

"Shall I go next, Emily, or will you?" I asked.

"Oh no, no," said Emily; "Grace and I will go," and bravely she led the
way.

Grace was a little more timid, but followed her closely, and they too
reached the opposite bank. When the rest of the party came over, they
said they had seen a large bird on the bank of the stream flying near
the decayed trunk of a huge tree.

"Whereabouts is it?" exclaimed my uncle with great eagerness.

"Dere, dere!" said Potto Jumbo, whose eyes in these thick woods were
evidently sharper than those of his companions, who might, however, have
been able to see further than he could on the ocean.

We crept carefully along the bank. It was a huge bird of dark plumage,
with a vast bill, and a curious sort of cap on its head. It had
something in its mouth, with which it went to a hole in the tree I have
described. My uncle, telling us to remain quiet, crept nearer and
fired. The bird fell with a loud flop into the stream.

"After him!" I said to Merlin, as the bird was floating down.

Merlin dashed forward, and springing in, approached the bird, who,
however, was only wounded, and began to show battle with his formidable
bill. Merlin wisely kept out of his reach, for a peck of that bill
would soon have taken out one of his eyes. The bird, at length,
however, became exhausted, and then Merlin sprang on