The heron opened the battle desperately, and persisted in keeping its course to the south.

The hawk, not ready for battle till the prey should be over our heads, circled round and round the heron, constantly striking, but carefully avoiding the _coup de grace_.

After the birds had flown several hundred yards away from us, and were growing small in the distance, the heron, less hardy than its knightly foe, showed signs of weariness and confusion.

It changed its course, still flying away from us.

This did not suit the hawk, and it continued circling about its faltering prey with a vicious swiftness well calculated to inspire terror.