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Show 115 The sharp silver talons and hooked beak were upon the rabbit like a flash of lightning, but the boys were equally quick. The net was over the eagle, as he ripped the rabbit open. Blood spilled onto the fur. Quahu was captured. Chua's heart raced wildly from excitement ready to break through his chest. "Kee, kee, kee," the bird screamed, thrashing under the net. His head slashed back and forth, and his sharp claws struck the net and were caught in the holes. "Throw the bed roll over him," yelled Toho, "so I can get hold of his leg to tie on the leather strap." Chua covered the eagle's entire body. The bird was quiet. Toho hobbled over by the eagle with his perch and leather strap. "Take the blanket off now." When the eagle was uncovered, he lashed out with his silver beak again. Toho jumped back and fell to the ground. His face twisted in pain. He picked himself up and waited. This time Chua just covered the golden brown head, along with the snapping silver beak. The bird was quiet in the darkness of the blanket. Now that the eagle was still, Toho hobbled around to reach under the net and tie the leather strap around Ouahu's leg. Then he secured the tether to the wooden cross^~ piece of the perch. The tether must have been made out of buffalo hide because it was a long piece of leather. When the knots were tight, Chua slowly removed the blanket and the upper part of the net. The white patches on the underside of Quahu's tail ruffled in the wind. The golden wings beat wildly, and the silver beak lashed out at the boys. |
