Third, the head of the demon was simply a dark lantern, light and dextrously made, and carefully fastened upon Echo’s back between the wings.
Fourth, the ghastly proportions, revealed by the flame, resembling a human frame, was the representation of a skeleton, made of light, dry pine, and suspended beneath the eagle by means of a small strap attached to it and passing over the back of the bird.
And this was the mystery of the Aërial Demon, a clever and ingenious contrivance, which, on more than one occasion, had saved the life of its originator! Only the patience of Rodger Rainbolt, in training Echo to perform those aërial missions, with almost a human understanding, could have produced such a result.
The capacious saddle-bags he always carried, were the repository of the rude contrivance.
Ebony was, at last, forced to give up the idea that the Aërial Demon was the Old Nick, and begged hard for the eagle and the demon that he might use it to work on the fears of the Indians.
The ranger would not part with his noble bird, but gave the lantern and fixtures to the darky, who declared he would catch and train a hawk, or an owl, at the earliest time possible.
And so the night was spent as well as circumstances would admit, with our friends.
Morning dawned clear and warm.
The party breakfasted upon wild pigeon and venison procured by the two hunters, and prepared by Florence.
When they were ready to resume their Journey, Florence drew her husband toward her father’s grave, and said: