Fritz soon returned with the cord, and I was glad to
observe also brought some oats and salt. We made one end of the cord
fast to a tree, and at the other end made a running noose. Silently we
watched the animals as they approached, quietly browsing; Fritz then
rose, holding in one hand the noose, and in the other some oats and
salt.
The ass, seeing his favourite food thus held out, advanced to take it;
Fritz allowed him to do so, and he was soon munching contentedly. The
stranger, on seeing Fritz, started back; but finding her companion show
no signs of alarm, was reassured, and soon approached sniffing, and was
about to take some of the tempting food.
In a moment the noose left Fritz's adroit hand and fell round her
neck; with a single bound she sprang backwards the full length of the
cord, the noose drew tight, and she fell to the earth half strangled. I
at once ran up, loosened the rope and replaced it by a halter; and
placing the pincers upon her nose, secured her by two cords fastened
between two trees, and then left her to recover herself.
Everyone hastened up to examine the beautiful animal as she rose from
the ground and cast fiery glances around. She lashed out with her heels
on every side; and, giving vent to angry snorts, struggled violently to
get free.
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