The already decomposing body, by falling from such a vast height upon the sharp rocks, was mangled, and the skin burst open! This the foul birds were not slow in perceiving; and first one, and then another, flapped towards it, and commenced their horrid meal.

In a few moments they were crowding over the body, hissing like geese, striking at each other with wings, beak, and claws, and altogether exhibiting such a scene of ravenous hunger and angry passion as would be difficult to portray.
They soon got in among the entrails of the animal, and commenced dragging them forth.

Sometimes two of them would seize a long string of these, and each swallowing from opposite ends, would meet each other in the middle of the piece.

Then would be witnessed a singular scene, as the birds dragged one another over the ground, each trying to make the other disgorge his filthy morsel! The young hunters, amused by these curious episodes, agreed to remain and watch them for awhile; and with this intent they dismounted from their horses, so as to relieve the animals of their weight.
A new object of interest now presented itself to their attention.
Francois discovered it.

Francois had been directing his eyes upward, watching the graceful motions of such of the vultures as were still in the air.