He is probably studying us with as much interest as we are watching him." "Our rifles couldn't carry a ball half-way to him." "And what if they could?
Would you wish to harm the emblem of our country ?" "No; unless he attacked us, which I don't think is likely.

Halloo!" Just then the immense bird spread his wings and began skimming through the air with majestic grace.

More than that, he was coming in the direction of the boys.
"I believe he means to make a meal off of us!" exclaimed Fred; "we would better be ready for him." "There's nothing to be frightened at.

If he intends to attack us we have only to wait until he is near, when we can puncture him." If the king of birds held any such intention he changed his mind.
Swooping far across the intervening space, seemingly aiming straight at them, he suddenly changed his course, and, ascending high in the sky, swept around in a wide circle and finally disappeared over the peak where first seen.
The boys sat for a while in silence, gazing away in the distance, where the noble bird had vanished, half-expecting it to reappear and probably press its attack; but it had taken its flight for good and was seen no more.
"I wonder whether we would have done any better if we had brought a dog with us ?" said Jack, beginning to feel a trifle discouraged over their failure to secure a shot at any game.
"I proposed bringing my dog, you remember, when we left home, but you thought we could do better out here.

Hank and the rest of them don't seem to place much value on the animals in hunting.