Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-07-24

In the meantime several visits had been
paid to the trap prepared by Wilcox, but
no victim had been enticed into it, though
a large piece of meat had been placed
there. On the 18th of May, however, quite
an exciting incident occurred. Brian and
several other lads had gone to that part OF
the forest nearest the cliff in the hope of
finding some cave which would serve as
store-house for the rest of their supplies,
when on nearing the pit they heard shriu
cries. Brian, on turning his steps in the
direction from which the sounds proceed
ed, was Immediately joined by Donovan.
The others followed at little distance.
preceded by Fan with ears erect. As they
approached the pit the cries increased in
violence, and they distinctly perceived 8
large opening in the leafy platfTm-an
opening which must have been made by
the fall of some animal
What this animal was they were unable
to say, but all felt the necessity of pru-
dence.
Seek, Fan, seekp' cried Donovan.
And the dog dashed forward barking
frantically, but without showing the
slightest sign of fear.
Brian and Donovan ran to the pit and
udd SSdIttlg SlduStu lItJ ~ DCAOlC tAANs
exclaimed, excitedly-
"Come, boys, comep'
as it a panther" cried Webb.
Cor a COUGAR" added Cross.
mo, it is twO-legged beast" replied
Donovan. 'It's an ostrich"
1t was in fact the bird known as the
American ostrich and the lads had every
reason to congratulate themselves upon
70 hoe dc Id tba "a
| of the island, for their flesh is excellent.
| 1t was of medium size, with head strong
| " resembling that of a goose, and body
| covered with grayish white plumes. 1t
| belonged Enthusiastically TO the species
known as Hdnd.s SO common in South
| America, and though not to be compared
| with the African ostrich. it is a desirable
addition to the fauna of any country.
1--WE must take it alive" cried Wilcox.
"That will be no easy matter" replied
| Cross.
| Let us at least try" said Brian.
/ The powerful creatures inability to es-
| cape was due solely to the fact that in this
| limited space its wings were not of the
| slightest assistance, while its feet could
secure no hold on the perpendic ular walls
| of its prison. Wilcox was consequently
| ODllge 10 SllQc DOWN lUJO tle PIT dJ JHe
| risk of receiving several severe blows from
| the captive's beak, but as he succeeded in
| half smothering the ostrich with blouse
which he threw over its head it was sOOn
reduced to a state Of helplessness, in which
| it became comparatively easy to tie its
| feet with three or four handkerchi is firm
| ly knotted together, after which by their
united efforts the boys succeeded in rails
ing the bird out of the pit.
We've got her at lastH' cried Webb.
"And now what shall we do with herr
| asked Cross.
"That is plain enough" responded Ser
vice, who seemed to have no doubts what
ever on the subject. 1--WE will drive her
the French Cave, tame her, and then
| her. / will make it my business. as
my friend Jack in the Swiss Family
inson' did"
There was some doubts about the re.
bility of this plan in spite OF the precedenl
alluded to by Service but as it was com
paratively easy matter to drive the plrd u
the French Cave it was done.
1t is not unlikely that Gordon was nt
| tie alarmed at the thought of having an
| other mouth to feed when he first behelt
the ostrich, but on recollecting that grass