CANNIBALS IN COURT 335 



me; for I am al)le to take care of myself, and quite 

 independent. 



" I do not even liave to build my own nest. In 

 February, when I need a home, there is always an 

 old Crow's or Hawk's nest ready for me ; and as for 

 my young, they are hardy and need no pampering I 

 Whooo-ooo-hooo — ooo ! Hands off, ]^>ird and House 

 People ! The Great Horned Owl knows how to use 

 both beak and claws ! " 



" Bound over for trial," said the Eagle, " and you 

 are lucky not to be committed for contempt of court." 



" He is a very cross bird to talk so, even if he does 

 some good," whispered Dodo to Rap ; for the Doctor 

 had given the Owl's hoot so cleverly it all seemed real 

 to the children. Then Judge Eagle spoke again : 



" Now for my brothers whose keen eyes can look at 

 the sun himself — you who strike with the claws and 

 rend with the beak in open daylight — it is your turn 

 to speak. Marsh Hawk, where and how do you live ?'' 



The Marsh Haw^k was nineteen inches in length, with 

 a long tail, pointed wings, and Owl-like face. At first 

 glance he seemed to be a bluish-gray bird, but on close 

 inspection one could see that his under parts were Avhite, 

 mottled with brown, and there was also a large white 

 patch on his rump. He spoke very clearly and said: 



" I roam all over North America, wherever there is 

 open country and free flying, and make my nest on the 

 ground wherever I find tufted grass or reeds to hide it. 

 Marsh lands please me best, and so T am called the 

 jNIarsh Hawk. The voices of the Hawk Hrothcrhood 

 are like the voices of the winds, far-reaching, but not to 

 be put in words. Mine is one of the softest of the cries 



