It struck its head into the grass, endeavouring to hide itself.

It was too late.

The kite swooped gently downward; and, with open claw, poised himself a moment over the spot.

As he rose again, the reptile was seen wriggling in his talons! A few strokes of his bold wing carried the kite upward, above the tops of the tallest trees; but he was observed to fly heavily.

As he rose higher, the flapping of his wings became more hurried and irregular.