Up went the great leg again, but before it could come crashing across her shoulders she had flung herself face downwards on the grass.

In an instant the huge bird was on the top of her, kicking at her, rolling over her, and crushing the very life out of her.

It was at this juncture that John Niel arrived upon the scene.

The moment the ostrich saw him it gave up its attacks upon the lady on the ground and began to waltz towards him with the pompous sort of step that these birds sometimes assume before they give battle.

Now Captain Niel was unaccustomed to the pleasant ways of ostriches, and so was his horse, which showed a strong inclination to bolt; as, indeed, under other circumstances, his rider would have been glad to do himself.