That indeed would have justified them in their attempt to take the birds.
Another idea may have suggested itself--more especially to Ossaroo.

If nothing else should come of it, there would be some pleasure in holding the birds in captivity--as pets and companions.

Ossaroo had been involuntarily contemplating the prospect of a long lonely life in the solitude of that mountain valley.

With such a prospect even the solemn stork might be regarded as a cheerful companion.
Stimulated by these thoughts--and some others of a more indefinite kind--our adventurers came to the determination to ensnare the _adjutants_! All three commenced wading out of the lake--in a direction so as not to disturb the sleepers.

Karl and Caspar--now that they had become inspired with a design--lifted their feet out of the water, and set them down again, as though they ere treading upon egg.