Three females of an
ashen grey colour followed him. They approached us with incredible
swiftness, and were within gun-shot before they perceived us. Fritz had
had the forethought to bind up the beak of his eagle so that, should he
bring down an ostrich, he might be unable to injure it.
He now threw up the falcon which, towering upwards, swooped down upon
the head of the foremost bird, and so confused and alarmed him, that he
could not defend himself nor continue his flight. So greatly was his
speed checked that Jack overtook him, and hurling his lasso, enfolded
his wings and legs in its deadly coils and brought him to the ground.
The other ostriches were almost out of sight, so leaving them to their
own devices we leaped from our steeds and attempted to approach the
captured bird. He struggled fearfully, and kicked with such violence
right and left, that I almost despaired of getting him home alive.
It occurred to me, however, that if we could cover his eyes, his fury
might be subdued. I instantly acted upon this idea, and flung over his
head my coat and hunting bag, which effectually shut out the light.
No sooner had I done this than his struggles ceased, and we were able
to approach. We first secured round his body a broad strip of sealskin,
on each side of which I fastened a stout piece of cord, that I might be
able to lead him easily.
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