bserved what had occurred, and run back to the rescue. As it was, the
father's wrist was severely, though I hope not permanently, damaged.

On a certain occasion three friends visited Ebenezer. One of these--we
shall call him Squib--was a sporting character, and anxious to have a
shot at the guinea-fowl which abounded on the farm. Hobson, with his
usual kindness, readily agreed to pilot him and his friends.

"The ground, however," said Hobson, "is part of the domain which belongs
to one of my ostriches, whose temper is uncertain. I don't feel sure of
him. Perhaps it would be better--"

"Oh! never mind that," interrupted Squib; "we're not afraid of
ostriches. Come along."

"Very well," returned the host, "come along."

And along they went to the domain of Gouws, who was found pacing
solemnly inside the wall of his enclosure. His wings were active, and
his tail was cocked. Otherwise he was calm enough to all appearance.
Hobson knew that the bird was in a rage, and said so, but his friends,
who were young and reckless, insisted on entering the enclosure.

They did so, and Gouws followed them with a stately air, but did not
attack, being no doubt perplexed by numbers.

They walked in Indian file, Hobson being the last of the line.

"I could turn him with a bit of a bush," said Squib, glancing at Gouws,
who was drawing gradually nearer to the party. "Just cut one for me,
Hobson, will you, like a good fellow?"

Hobson turned aside and stooped to cut a branch from a mimosa bush.

Just then the ostrich, which had marched ahead of the party, turned
sharp round and charged. Poor Squib tripped, by good luck, and fell as
the bird passed over him. It kicked down the other two, and sprang on
the shoulders of the stooping Hobson, who fell and gashed his finger as
the bird tumbled over him.

The whole party rose with marvellous celerity, and the sportsmen rushed
towards the boundary wall, while Gouws scrambled on his long legs and
ran after them. Had the distance been great, their chance of escape
would have been small. As it was, Gouws overtook one of the party just
as he reached a part of the wall which had been mended with mimosa-thorn
bushes. With one tremendous kick he sent the unfortunate man into the
midst of the thorns, where he would certainly have given him further
punishment had he not been attracted by a yell of alarm from another of
the party. Poor Squib was not fleet of foot or active. He made a