364 CITIZEN BIRD 



" You shall certainly pay them a visit, but I doubt 

 that you will find them as sound asleep as you im- 

 agine." 



The very next morning Olaf piloted the party across 

 the meadows to the wood that was made an island by a 

 little creek that threaded in and out among the reeds. 



" I know somebody whose feet are wet already ! " 

 said Nat, pointing to Olive, who was slipping about 

 uncertainly. 



" I know it was very foolish to come without my 

 rubber boots, but they are so uncomfortable to wear 

 in summer. Oh ! please give me your hand — quick, 

 father ! " The Doctor caught her as she was sinking 

 in what looked like a bit of good ground, but was 

 really a bog tuft. 



It took some time to work their Avay to the centre of 

 the island. There the ground Avas drier in spots, be- 

 tween the little pools, and there were some high trees. 



''Stop here," said Olaf cautiously, "and look well 

 before." 



They did so just as the crackling twigs startled some 

 dusky shapes that flapped among the trees. 



" The Herons ! " exclaimed Kap, settling his crutch 

 more firmly and preparing to watch closely. 



As soon as their eyes became accustomed to the dim 

 light, the party saw many large birds, some in the trees, 

 some in the decaying underbrush, and others on the 

 ground. Here and there among the trees were nests, 

 looking like flat heaps of sticks. They were empty ; 

 but their sides, the trees, and the ground were all 

 spattered and befouled with the chalky-white droppings 

 of the careless colony. 



