Often might it be heard twanging among the trees; and as often did the shikaree's arrow pierce the breast of some fine bird--a peacock, or argus pheasant, or one of the beautiful Brahminy geese that frequented the waters of the lake.
Ossaroo's nets and lines, too, were not without their use.

Fish were caught of various kinds, and excellent quality; and there was one sort in particular, should all else fail, that promised to furnish them with an inexhaustible supply.

This was a large species of eel, in which the lake abounded, to such an extent, that it was only necessary to cast in a hook, with a worm upon it, and an eel of nearly six feet in length would be instantly landed.
As they did not always relish to dine upon eels, but little of their time was spent in procuring them.

For all that, they were gratified on discovering the abundance of these slippery creatures--knowing that, should other resources fail, they would find in them a staple article of wholesome food, that could never become scarce, no matter how much they should eat of it.
A favourable wind at length came on to blow; and the kite was once more shouldered, and carried to the same place as before.

Just in the same way did they proceed to fly it; and in the same style it again rose soaring above the cliff; and--the cord having been suddenly slacked-- sank to rest upon the slope of the mountain.
So far were they once more successful; but alas! it proved to be just so far and no farther.
Pulling upon the rope, to ascertain whether their anchor had "bit," they were chagrined to receive an answer in the negative.