The animals had got scent of the water, and with
contented bleatings were slowly moving with a rippling effect across the
dusty plain. The mob of Emu soon left the sheep to go their own way, and,
grouped in a cluster, watched, with bobbing heads, every movement of the
flock.
Dot, the Kangaroo, and the Emu looked towards the tank with silent
interest. "I'm stationed here," whispered the bird, "to give a warning in
case there is any danger in this direction. Emu are posted all round the
tank on the same duty."
Dot could see the whole scene well, for beyond a few low shrubs on the
opposite side of the sheet of water, there was no sheltering bush near the
great tank which had been excavated on the bare plain.
Onward came the sheep, and quite stationary in the distance remained the
Emu mob. Just as the first sheep were descending the deep slope of the
tank, a Plover rose from amongst the bushes with a shrill cry. The Emu
started at the sound, and whispered to the Kangaroo, "There'll be no drink
to-night. Watch!"
The cry of the Plover seemed to arrest the advance of the timid sheep.
They waited in a closely-packed flock, looking around. But presently the
old leader gave a deep bleat, and they moved forward towards the water.
"Shriek! Shriek!" cried the Plover from the bushes, screaming as they rose
and flew away; and suddenly the flock of sheep broke and hurried back to
the open plain.
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