Eight times that gave one hundred and sixty yards-- the probable amount of cord they should require.
This being determined upon, the next thing was to find out whether the eagle could carry such a burden into the sky.

Of course, the bird would not have the whole of it to carry at first, as part would rest upon the ground; but should it succeed in reaching the top of the cliff--even at the lowest part--there would then be the weight of at least one hundred yards upon its leg; and if it ascended still higher, a greater amount in proportion.
It was natural to suppose that the bearcoot in going out would choose the lowest part of the precipice--especially when feeling his flight impeded by the strange attachment upon his leg; and if this conjecture should prove correct, there would be all the less weight to be sustained.

But, indeed, by the cord itself they could guide the bearcoot to the lowest part--since by holding it in their hands, they could hinder him taking flight in any other direction.
Considering all these circumstances, and rather cheered by the many points that appeared to be in their favour, they proceeded to make trial of the eagle's strength.
It would not take long to decide; but conscious of the great importance of the result, they set about it with due deliberation.
A log of wood was procured, and chopped down, till it was exactly the weight of the rope to be used.

To this the piece of twenty yards-- already employed for a different purpose--was attached at one end--the other being tightly knotted around the shank of the eagle.
When all was ready, the bird was stripped of his other fastenings; and then all retired to a distance to give him space for the free use of his wings.
Fancying himself no longer under restraint, the bearcoot sprang up from the rock on which he had been placed; and, spreading his broad wings, rose almost vertically into the air.
For the first twenty yards he mounted with a vigorous velocity; and the hopes of the spectators found utterance in joyful ejaculations.
Alas! these hopes were short-lived, ending almost on the instant of their conception.

The rope, carried to its full length, became suddenly taut--jerking the eagle several feet back towards the earth.