He had gone some distance apart from the others, and especially from Fritz, whom he had scolded away from his side; and, having stationed himself on a slight eminence near the edge of the lake, he was using all his wiles to coax back the birds that had been so unwittingly compelled to take wing.
It was evident to Ossaroo--as well as to the others--that the flight of the storks had been against their will; and that they had reluctantly ascended into the air.

They were no doubt wearied, and wanted rest.
Whether this desire would have brought them to the earth again, Ossaroo did not stay to determine.

As soon as by their actions he became convinced that they saw the fish held out in his hand, he flung the tempting morsel to some distance from him, and then stood awaiting the result.
It proved a success--and almost instantaneously.
There was nothing in the appearance or attitude of Ossaroo to excite the suspicion of the adjutants.

His dark skin and Hindoo costume were both well-known to them; and though now observed in an odd, out-of-the-way corner of the world, that was no reason for regarding him as an enemy.
Fritz was alone the object of their fear, but Fritz was a good way off, and there appeared no longer any reason for dreading him.
Reasoning thus--and perhaps with empty stomachs to guide them to a conclusion--the sight of the fish--lying unguarded upon the grass--put an end to their fears; and, without further hesitation, both dropped down beside it.
Both at the same instant clutched at the coveted prize--each endeavouring to be the first in securing it.
As one of the birds had got hold of the fish by the head and the other by its tail, a struggle now arose as to which should be the first to swallow its body.

Each soon passed a portion of it down its capacious throat, until its mandibles met in the middle, and cracked against each other.
As neither would yield to the other, so neither would consent to disgorge, and let go; and for some seconds this curious contention was kept up.
How long it might have continued was not left to the determination of the parties themselves; but to Ossaroo, who, while they were thus occupied, rushed upon the spot; and, flinging wide his arms, enfolded both the birds in an embrace, from which they vainly struggled to get free.
With the assistance of Karl and Caspar--who had in the meantime tied Fritz to a tree--the huge creatures were soon overpowered, and pinioned beyond the possibility of escaping..