t with evident delight. As soon as he had
finished the portion I had bestowed on him, he rose and began fluttering
about as before in front of me. I whistled to him, to try and induce
him to come with me, but I have since heard that whistling encourages
the bird, and makes him more eager to go off in search of another nest.
"As you will not come with me, I must go and see what you want now," I
said to the bird, following the way he led. In vain I whistled. On he
went in a wavy course, as before, directly in front of me. I rather
doubted, however, should he lead me to another honeycomb, whether I
could carry it. Still, I did not like to miss the opportunity of
obtaining what might prove so valuable. I therefore went on in the
direction the honey-bird led. I could not help thinking of tales I had
read in my boyhood of kind fairies or good spirits leading travellers
who had lost their way to some enchanted castle, where a comfortable
couch and an ample banquet was prepared for them. Perhaps the
honey-bird may have been the origin of such tales. Sometimes, indeed,
an evil fairy has appeared, and beguiled thoughtless travellers to their
destruction. After the conduct of my honey-bird I had no doubt about
his good intentions. I had gone on for twenty minutes or more, when the
bird pitched on the bough of another decayed tree still standing
upright. Seeing me approach, it began fluttering about, and pointing
its beak towards a hole some way above my head. "I should have thought
you might have known I could not reach that," I said, looking up at him.
"However, I will do my best to accomplish the feat." The quickest way,
I thought, would be to build a platform on which to stand whilst cutting
out the honey. I accordingly chopped down some stout poles and drove
them into the earth, securing cross-pieces with vines to the trunk. I
thus formed an erection similar to a builder's scaffolding, and now
climbing to the top, I made another small platform directly under the
entrance to the nest. I then proceeded as before, by burning leaves and
twigs, and having thoroughly smoked the unfortunate bees, took
possession of their habitation and store of food. With this further
supply I descended, and having given the honey-bird a share, put the
remainder into the handkerchief. I had to make it more capacious, by
fastening a number of vines round it, so as to form a sort of basket.
"Well, Master Honey-bird, if you will lead m