“The condor!” he cried fearfully. “It’s coming at us!”
CHAPTER XXVII
Fighting Desperately
THERE was not a moment to lose. With the huge white condor swooping down upon them, the explorers knew that they must act quickly. Unfortunately their rifles had been left on the trail above. Before they could secure the weapons the huge bird would be upon them and would probably use its terrible claws and beak to great advantage.
“My knife is all we have to defend ourselves with,” said Joe, watching the large form advance toward them. “But I’m going to use it.”
The condor came on swiftly. It circled around a few times near its nest and then rushed madly at the little group of adventurers.
Now it was barely ten feet away and coming with deadly aim. In but a brief moment it would be in a position where it could work deadly havoc with its sharp claws.
Joe had his long hunting knife in readiness now, waiting for an opportune moment. Then it came.
The huge white bird was soaring directly above its human enemies. As it dropped lower, Joe lunged forward and plunged the sharp knife through one of the long, thin legs.