224 WITH THE U. S. NATURALISTS 



Shan was taken absolutely by surprise. This 

 prompt correction was unaccustomed. His uncle 

 had never taught him to say *'sir," nor had his 

 posture ever been criticized. But, remembering 

 the nature of his errand, the boy did not wish to 

 otfend his host at once, so he straightened up and 

 corrected himself, 



"Morning, sir." 



''That's better," said the Feather Man, "but 

 the correct phrase is 'Good Morning.' Moreover, 

 always look the man you're speaking to, straight 

 in the face." 



Shan felt he was losing ground in these pre- 

 liminaries. He had intended to come as an 

 avenger of the birds, and here he was, being taken 

 to task like a schoolboy. 



"I'm Shan — " he began, but the other inter- 

 rupted him. 



"I know all about you," he said. "You live at 

 Bull Adam's cabin and you've been stealing birds' 

 nests on my land. ' ' 



Shan's jaw dropped. He remembered Bull's 

 warning. This was turning the tables on him 

 with a vengeance. How was he to appear as the 

 Avenger of Birds now? 



The Feather Man smiled at his consternation. 



