While George was changing to dry clothes Ed told Ben about the thrilling experience. The guide listened quietly, a faint smile flitting about the corners of his mouth.
Then, turning to George, he said: “I suppose you fellows will keep on bumping into trouble till something comes along and takes a wallop out of you.”
After dinner they sat in the cabin talking, and Ben suddenly asked:
“What about ‘Snow Ball’? I guess his time is up.”
The boys looked at the big white owl sitting motionless on his perch. They had become quite fond of him, in spite of his unfriendly ways. Several times his savage nature had asserted itself. Once he had caught Ed’s thumb in his powerful beak and pinched it painfully. They held no enmity against him for these offenses, however, and instantly agreed to his release.
“Let’s take him outside so I can get his picture before we allow him to go,” proposed Ed.
“All right; but remember this is your party, and I’m distinctly out of it,” warned George, soberly.
Ben carried the owl outdoors and lifted it to a low branch of an evergreen. Ed took several pictures of the handsome bird, whose white plumage showed to splendid advantage against the dark background of the tree.
When sufficient exposures had been made Ben removed the chain and gave “Snow Ball” his freedom. Then they sat in the doorway to see what the newly released prisoner would do. For some time he remained on his perch, slowly turning his head and blinking his eyes. He appeared to be pondering the unexpected situation in which he found himself.
“I guess he feels sorry to leave,” said George.