Harper's Young People, November 18, 1879

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Various. Harper's Young People, November 18, 1879

THE TOURNAMENT

THE BRAVE SWISS BOY

II.—A PERILOUS ADVENTURE.—(Continued.)

A GIGANTIC JELLY-FISH

THE FIRST DROP OF BITTERNESS

THAT EARTHQUAKE!

THE DOLLS' WEDDING

THE STORY OF A PARROT

WIGGLES

A NEW SERIAL

A LIBERAL OFFER FOR 1880 ONLY

Отрывок из книги

"WALTER AIMED TWO OR THREE BLOWS AT THE CREATURE'S BREAST."

In this dreadful crisis, Walter pressed as hard as he could against the rocky crag, having but one hand at liberty to defend himself against the furious attack of the bird. It was quite impossible for him to get at his axe, and the force with which he was assaulted caused him nearly to let go his hold. He tried to seize the vulture's throat and strangle it; but the bird was too active, and made all such attempts perfectly useless. He could scarcely hope to continue such a dangerous struggle much longer. He was becoming faint from terror, and his left hand was fast growing benumbed with grasping the rock. He had almost resigned himself to his fate, and expected the next moment to be dashed to pieces on the field of ice beneath. Suddenly, however, he recollected his pocket-knife, and a new ray of hope dawned. Giving up the attempt to clutch at the furious bird, he drew the knife out of his pocket, and opened it with his teeth, and aiming two or three blows at the creature's breast, he found at last that he had been successful in reaching some mortal part. The fluttering of the wings ceased, and the dying bird stained the virgin snow with its blood on the ice-field below. Walter was saved; there was no other enemy now to fear; his life was no longer in danger; but his energies were taxed to the utmost, and it was well for him that the terrible contest had lasted no longer.

.....

Mr. Seymour stood for a moment speechless. He was filled with delight at the sight of the young birds he had so long wished for, but was at the same time dumfounded at the courage and honor of the young mountaineer.

"Is it possible?" he exclaimed at last. "Have you really ventured to risk your life, although I told you that I didn't want the birds?"

.....