224 THE SOLITAIRE. 



ing frightened unless there is something really 

 alarming. 



This is the natural and charming attitude of 

 bird and beast toward man, until taught by 

 deadly experience what they have to dread, as 

 has been proved many times. 



It is not, therefore, in the case of the solitaires, 

 fear of man which drives them to their secluded 

 dwelling-places. It is a certain reserve of char- 

 acter, a strong dislike to a crowd, a genuine love 

 of solitude, and who shall say there is not also 

 an appreciation of the attractions of scenery ! 



After Mr. Ober's bird had become used to 

 his captivity, the collecting boys brought in an- 

 other prisoner, a trembleur, so named because 

 of his curious and restless manners, the jerks 

 and quivers, the spasmodic movements of head 

 and wings and tail, and the bows and postures 

 with which he does everything. 



The unfortunate trembleur indulged in no 

 amusing antics on this occasion, however. He 

 was overwhelmed by the extent of the disaster 

 that had befallen him, — captivity in the hands 

 of his worst foe. He crouched in one corner of 

 his box, looking with wonder at his surround- 

 ings. 



Now appeared a new trait in the character of 

 siffleur. His deep love of solitude was even 

 aggressive ; he would not tolerate the intrusion 



