The Boy Scouts of the Geological Survey

owsy, in spite of his desire to catch sight of the eagles when they rose to stretch their wings in the first flight of the

ncing around him impatiently. Directly over his head, soaring high over the trees, was one of the great

rd as it hung poised in

female must be on the nest--which will

, emerging after a few minutes with a small limp form seized in its talons. With this prize the eagle now flew swiftly and silently to a ledge on the side of the

g eagles were within range--fired. At the report, one big bird toppled over the precipice to a ledge not ten feet above the foaming water, on the other side of the stream. Its mate, with a harsh sc

iedly securing his pony, he made a detour of about half a mile in order to cross the mountain stream; for to cross it at

en he walked carefully along the base of the cliff, crawling or jumping from one rock to another, taking advantage of every slight projection, and holding his breath for dread lest he slip and hurl hims

water was swollen higher. There were no trailing vines or overhanging saplings strong enough to bear Ralph's weight; but, foreseeing this very obstacle, he had brought a rope which he now uncoiled from around his waist. He flung it dexterously over the ledge. To his ut

f tying the lifeless body to his hunting belt when he was startled suddenly by a loud whir of wings, and something hit him

is mate. Ralph ducked just in time to escape another blow from those powerful wings, and he struck out wildly with his right arm, mis

up to shield his head and face, and as he did so, his foot slipped. He clutched frantically at the rock to

is wound, and half blinded by the blood which soon began to flow from the cut, Ralph snatched the dead bird from his belt and swung it around his head like a club. Once this improvised club crashed against the attacking bird, and Ralph took advantage of the latter's hasty retreat to slide down the ropes and land on firmer ground. He tossed the dead bird aside, and lunged forward to recapture his knife. But the king of the clouds was not by any means outdone. Indeed, the sight of his

e the knife if he could avoid doing so, for a bad cut might injure the skin and feathers of the coveted trophy

eful creature was gaining courage with every charge. Moreover, in his cramped position he was at a disadvantage, while the blood trickling down from the wound i

e keen blade found its mark under one of those great pounding pinions, and by the dimin

e it lay kicking feebly for a few moments; then, with a convulsi

ed, he picked up the two splendid birds and gazed at them almost sadly, with no

s if seeking an excuse for an act which he found difficult to d

eary and wounded, and moved to a pitying admiration of the prize within his grasp, it was nothing to the discredit of this simple, manly lad that he shed a few tears over his

ly avoiding further injury to their plumage; a

nd the Scout Master would sa

m, back to the spot where he had left Keno. Imagine his dismay and

e and wandered away, or had he been stole

wing a horse's infallible instinct for going homeward, he felt no apprehension that Keno would get lost; yet he realized what a

pened! I wish Keno hadn't bolted like this! My fault, I suppose; I ought to have t

a flat stone in the sunlight, an

little Weary Willie wa

und th

m: the imprint of a large paw like that of a cat rising hastily, he exa

ter must have frightened old Keno and made him hit the trail home! Hop

he walked slowly through the fragrant woods, squirrels and jays chattered derisively at him overhead, and frightened rabbits dashed helter-skelter among the t

hich, though it would eventually lead him out upon the boundary of Silas Perkins' farm, and necessit

ing trees, as Ralph descended into a little hollow between two hills, and dusky shadows contended with mid-daylight. Still the boy staggered onward, now and then faltering to rest. His wounds gave him little pain now, though one eye was badly swo

miles from home, too!" he repro