As yet
this prodigy had not observed us, for it was stalking quietly among the
trees, followed by a brood of chickens, each larger than the biggest
ostrich I had ever seen.
I now noticed that one of these chickens had strayed from the others,
and I saw Janstins, who had evidently not observed the mother-bird,
aiming his matchlock at it as though about to fire. I shouted to him to
desist, but too late to save the mad fellow from his folly. There was a
flash, and a loud report, and the giant chicken lay on its back, its
legs kicking in the air.
"To the boats!" I cried, and the scared sailors, when they saw the
mother-bird, needed no second warning. There was a rush for the boats
by all but Janstins, who seemed as one amazed, and incapable of action
at the sight of the monster. I could not leave him to the fate which
threatened him, so, running to his assistance, I dragged him down
behind some fern trees, where we hid out of sight of the mother-bird,
who seemed bewildered by the unaccustomed sound of firearms, and
perplexed at the death of her chick, for which she could not account.
But we both knew that her inaction was momentary, and that when she
discovered us we must expect the full force of her rage, which could
only result in the loss of our lives.
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