What is it
about the sight of sheep that excites one so? When one gets into a big
flock, one has to dance, one can't help oneself. We had a great dance in
a flock to-day, and the lambs would get under our feet, so I'm sorry to
say a good many of them were killed."
"Men will certainly kill you, if you do that," said Dot.
"We know it," chuckled the Emu; "that is why the tank is not quite safe
just now. But this evening I will show you a new plan by which to learn
if Humans are camped at a tank, or not. We have played the trick with
great success for several nights."
Conversing thus, the Emu, the Kangaroo, and Dot wandered on until the Emu
requested them to wait for a few minutes, whilst it peeped at the tank,
which was still a long way off.
It presently returned and said that it felt quite suspicious, because
everything looked so clear and safe. "From his point of high ground,"
said the bird, "you can watch our proceedings. I will now give the signal
and return to my post here."
The Emu then ran at a great pace along the edge of the plain, and emitted
a strange rattling cry. After disappearing from sight for a time, it
returned hurriedly to where Dot and her friend were waiting.
"Now, see!" said the Emu, nodding at the distant side of the plain.
Dot's eyes were not so keen of sight as those of an Emu; but she thought
she could see something like a little cloud of dust, far, far away across
the dry brown grass of the plain.
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