For several minutes they remained looking at this rare sight, which would have absorbed the attention of the spectators could it have been witnessed in a menagerie.
But they regarded it with fear and awe.

Their eyes and ears were at the same time more occupied in looking and listening for some sign that might veil them of the return of their protectors.
Time passed; none was seen, none heard.
A long time passed, and no sound from the forest; no murmur of men's voices, or cry of scared bird, to proclaim that any one was approaching the spot.
The brute was still browsing, but with less apparent voracity.

He drew the shoots toward him with a gentler sweep of his arms, selecting only the most succulent.

His appetite was on the wane; it was evident he would soon leave off eating and return to his roosting or resting-place.
In the forest, of course, though they knew not where.

It might be on the tree over their heads, or on one close at hand; or it might be afar off.