UNCLE SAM 



When that happens, the Junior Audubon Society at our 

 school pays for their treat. I have the money, because I 

 am treasurer.'^ 



After the girl turned back to the house for the money, 

 the boy looked hard at the gun. Then he swallowed to 

 get rid of the lump that hurt his throat and said, ^^ If you 

 had shot Uncle Sam or Aunt Samantha or their young, 

 the children for miles and miles NEVER would have 

 liked 3^ou. Eagles have nested in that tree for more than 

 seventy years, and nobody except a newcomer would 

 think of shooting one.'' 



So they talked together for some time about eagles; 

 and when the girl came back, the man did not charge so 

 much for Uncle Sam's treat as we sometimes have to pay 

 for our own lamb chops. 



And way off among the cliffs Uncle Sam ate in con- 

 tent, not knowing that his life had been in danger, and 

 that he had been saved by a boy and a girl who were 

 growing up ^^ under the shadow of an eagle's wings," as 

 they said to each other as they watched him sail the air 

 in his journeys to and fro. 



That afternoon, when they heard him call, ^^Cac, cac, 

 cac," they said, ^' Uncle Sam is laughing." And when 

 his mate answ^ered in her harsh voice, they said, ^^Aunt 

 Samantha would be happy if she knew w^e saved their 

 lives." 



97 



