The morning after the finding of the ostrich’s nest, they started again, taking the net, and keeping a keen lookout in the hope of discovering another.
“There’s no reason why we should not,” said Emson. “I’ve been too easy with Jack; he has not disturbed the birds around for months.”
“I think we can find the nest again,” said Dyke.
“Why not? We’ll find it by the footmarks, if we cannot any other way. But I think I can ride straight to it.”
They kept a sharp lookout, but no ostrich sprang up in the distance and sped away like the wind. About six miles from home, though, something else was seen lying right out on the plain, to which Dyke pointed.
“A bird?” cried Emson. “Yes, I see it. No; a beast. Why, Dyke, old chap, there are two of them. What shall we do? Creep in and try a shot, or let them go off?”
“I should try a shot,” said the boy excitedly. “Why, one is a big-maned fellow.”
“Then perhaps we had better let them alone.”
“What! to come and pull down one of the oxen. No: let’s have a shot at them.”
“Very well,” said Emson quietly; “but see that you have a couple of bullets in your rifle. Make sure.”