Page 15 - My FlipBook

The next morning the villagers gathered near the lake

with sticks, sharp stones and long kitchen knives. The

elephant bird was resting when the crowd approached

him. The sun shone on his featherless back. He got up

slowly and stared at the crowd. Looking at his size, the

villagers stopped at some distance. After a moment’s

hesitation the headman cried, “Be ready!” The mob

roared, firming the grip on the weapons, ready to run

down the giant one-feathered elephant bird.

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