Not so, however.

On getting a few feet from the flower its flight appeared to be suddenly checked; and, although it still kept in the air, flying first one way and then another, it was evident that something restrained it from getting clear off.

On looking more attentively a fine silk-like line was seen stretching from the trees to the fluttering creature.

It was the thread of the spider, and this it was that prevented his victim from carrying him into the air.
The little wings soon ceased to move, and both bird and spider fell to the end of the thread, where they hung for a moment suspended.

The boys could see that the bird was dead, and the mandibles of the tarantula were buried in its shining threat! Francois would have rushed forward to kill the destroyer; but Lucien, who was too ardent a naturalist to have his lesson thus interrupted, restrained his more impetuous brother, and all three remained quiet as before.
The tarantula now commenced reeling in his line, for the purpose of carrying his prey up among the branches, where he had his nest.