Ay, something more than hope: for in this singular incident I cannot fail to recognise the finger of a merciful God.
Surely He hath at length taken compassion upon us! Surely it is He who has sent these birds! They are messengers from Heaven!" Caspar remained silent, gazing earnestly in the eyes of his brother, that were now sparkling with mingled gratitude and joy.

But although Caspar could perceive this expression, he was utterly unable to interpret it.
Ossaroo was alike puzzled by the strange looks and speeches of the Sahib Karl; but the Hindoo gave less heed to them--his attention being almost wholly taken up by the adjutants, which he fondled in turns--talking to them and embracing them, as if they had been his brothers! As soon as the cord had been looped round their ankles, and there was no longer any danger of their getting away, Ossaroo cut up the fish into slices convenient for their gullets; and proceeded to feed them with as much fondness as he could have shown to a brace of human beings, who had arrived from a long journey in a state of starvation.
The storks exhibited no signs of shyness--not the slightest.

It was not in their nature to do so.

They gobbled up the morsels flung before them, with as much avidity and unconcern, as if they were being fed by the side of the great tank in the Garden at Calcutta.
The sight of Fritz alone had a disturbing influence upon them; but, by the command of Karl, the dog was kept out of view, until they had finished the meal with which Ossaroo had provided them.
Caspar, still in a cloud, once more interrogated the plant-hunter as to his purpose.
"Ho, brother!" answered Karl, "you are not wont to be so dull of comprehension.

Can you not guess why I am so joyed by the presence of these birds ?" "Indeed I cannot--unless--" "Unless what ?" "You expect them to carry a rope up the cliff." "Carry a rope up the cliff! Nothing of the sort.