It had long been known as the "Old Eagle Tree."
3. On a warm, sunny day, the workmen were hoeing corn in an adjoining
field. At a certain hour of the day, the old eagle was known to set off
for the seaside, to gather food for her young. As she this day returned
with a large fish in her claws, the workmen surrounded the tree, and, by
yelling and hooting, and throwing stones, so scared the poor bird that she
dropped her fish, and they carried it off in triumph.
4. The men soon dispersed, but Joseph sat down under a hush near by, to
watch, and to bestow unavailing pity. The bird soon returned to her nest,
without food. The eaglets at once set up a cry for food, so shrill, so
clear, and so clamorous that the boy was greatly moved.
5. The parent bird seemed to try to soothe them; but their appetites were
too keen, and it was all in vain. She then perched herself on a limb near
them, and looked down into the nest in a manner that seemed to say, "I
know not what to do next."
6. Her indecision was but momentary; again she poised herself, uttered one
or two sharp notes, as if telling them to a "lie still," balanced her
body, spread her wings, and was away again for the sea.
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