Ossaroo sneered at their over-caution--telling them, that there was not the slightest fear of frightening the storks; and indeed there was truth in what he affirmed.
In most countries bordering upon the banks of the Ganges, these birds, protected alike by superstitious fears and edicts of law, have become so used to the proximity of man, that they will scarce stir out of their way to avoid him.

It was possible that the brace in question might have belonged to some of the wilder flocks--inhabiting the swamps of the Sunderbunds--and therefore less accustomed to human society.

In that case there might be some difficulty in approaching them; and it was for this reason that Ossaroo had consented to adopt the precautions for their capture which Karl had insisted should be taken.
The truth is, that Karl had conceived a deeper design than either of his companions.

It had occurred to him--while engaged with his brother in that laughing duetto--and somewhat to the surprise of Caspar, it had caused a sudden cessation of his mirth, or at least the noisy ebullition of it.
The philosopher had become silent and serious; as if the thought had suddenly arisen, that hilarity under the circumstances was indecorous and out of place.

From that moment Karl had preserved a mysterious silence--even refusing to explain it when interrogated by Caspar.