The same moment, however, down the path from the globe of light came a bird, shining like silver in the sun.

It gave a few rapid flaps first, and then, with its wings straight out, shot, sliding down the slope of the light.

It looked to me just like a white pigeon.

But whatever it was, when the cobs caught sight of it coming straight down upon them, they took to their heels and scampered away across the mountain, leaving me safe, only much frightened.

As soon as it had sent them off, the bird went gliding again up the light, and the moment it reached the globe the light disappeared, just as if a shutter had been closed over a window, and I saw it no More.