and---shifting his position by crawling forward until the feasting
eagles were within range---fired. At the report, one big bird
toppled over the precipice to a ledge not ten feet above the foaming
water, on the other side of the stream. Its mate, with a harsh
scream of alarm, darted up into the air, circled once over the spot
where Ralph crouched, and flew hastily away. It was so swift in
its flight from the place that Ralph was unable to get a second shot.

Nevertheless, even in his vexation at apparently losing it, Ralph
could not refrain from giving a shout of triumph. Hurriedly securing
his pony, he made a detour of about half a mile in order to cross
the mountain stream; for to cross it at the spot which he had chosen
for his ambush would have been impossible, owing to the depth and
swiftness of the current.

After fording the stream at the further point---under protest from
Keno, who picked his way very carefully and grudgingly over the
treacherous rocky bed---Ralph dismounted and tied the horse to a
tree. Then he walked carefully along the base of the cliff,
crawling or jumping from one rock to another, taking advantage
of every slight projection, and holding his breath for dread lest
he slip and hurl himself into the foaming water. At last he came
to the foot of the rock where, but a short time ago, the eagles
were devouring their breakfast. There he paused to get his wind
and to look for the fallen bird.

Quite out of reach, on the ledge above his head, the female eagle
lay stunned and broken-winged, but still alive. To scale the
cliff was not possible, for here it sloped sharply out over its
base, where it had been worn smooth by the stream at some previous