plain sight and
is not scared up by us. Let's sit down a while and watch things around
us."

This singular proposal was acted upon. After picking their way some
distance further among the rocks they chose a seat, and then looked
searchingly here and there at the different elevations and prominent
points, in the hope of catching sight of some game which would give them
a shot before dashing off with headlong haste.

"Right over that part of the mountain peak yonder," said Jack, pointing
at the place, "I saw the moon rise last night. I have watched it come
out of the ocean many a time, but never saw anything so beautiful
before."

He described as best he could the impressive scene, while Fred listened,
and for the first time felt regret that he had not been awakened that
he, too, might have enjoyed the view.

When he had studied the mountain peak for some minutes, he raised his
glass and surveyed it steadily for a while longer.

"I thought so," he remarked; "turn your glass, Jack, in that direction."

Jack did as requested, and saw to what his comrade referred. Perched on
the highest portion was an immense gray-headed eagle. Sailing thither
from the depths of space, he had paused for a while, with the grand view
spread out before him, and what a view it must have been!

It was easy to identify the bird with the aid of their glasses, which
were kept pointed for some time at him.

"I wonder whether he sees us?" said Fred.

"There can be no doubt of it, for their eyes detect the smallest object
on a landscape. He is probably studying us with as much interest as we
are watching him."

"Our rifles couldn't carry a ball half-way to him."

"And what if they could? Would you wish to harm the emblem of our
country?"

"No; unless he attacked us, which I don't think is likely. Halloo!"

Just then the immense bird spread his wings and began skimming through
the air with majestic grace. More than that, he was coming in the
direction of the boys.

"I believe he means to make a meal off of us!" exclaimed Fred; "we would
better be ready for him."

"There's nothing to be frightened at. If he intends to attack us we have
only to wait until he is near, when we can puncture him."

If the king of birds held any such intention he changed his mind.
Swooping far across the intervening space, seemingly aiming straight at
them, he suddenly changed his course, and, ascending high in the sky,
swept around in a wide circle and fi