It was high noon, and an Indian - his headband bearing the crest that marked the chieftain - broke from the woods at a trot, and continued to cross a broad clearing. As he steady pace, he failed to observe the shadow cast by a great bird that hovered high overhead. Its small eyes were bright and cruel, its beak curved like that of a vulture, with talons strong and sharp. Beneath its talons, two long needle-thin spikes glittered from the side. Sighting the man below, the bird gave a hoarse cry, flapped its broad wings twice and then swooped towards its victim with the speed of a falling stone...