"I wonder what it can be! I never look on those filthy birds without fear.

_Santissima_! how they made me shudder that time when they flapped their black wings in my own face! I pity any poor creature threatened by them--even where it but a coyote.

It may be that, or an antelope.

Nothing else likely to become their prey on this bare plain.

Come, Lolita! let us go on and see what they're after.