234 ORIOLE INCOMPATIBILITY. 



never followed them back into the room, though 

 of course, as they could not keep away from the 

 light themselves, they all fell victims sooner or 

 later. After that several flies were allowed to 

 come in every morning, and no sportsman, of 

 whatever size, was ever keener after his prey, 

 whether fish, fox, or tiger from the jungle. 



The little dame liked flies too, and if one 

 came near her did not hesitate to appropriate it, 

 although it brought her mate upon her " like a 

 wolf on the fold." The two had once a funny 

 time with a very large fly which fell into the 

 hands — or beak — of madam. The victim did 

 not submit with meekness ; in fact, he protested 

 in a loud voice. This at once attracted the at- 

 tention of the master, who flung himself furi- 

 ously at his usually amiable spouse, to snatch it 

 from her. She did not give it up, but flew 

 away, he following closely, and the fly buzzing 

 madly all the while. Round and round the 

 room they went for some time, till he was tired 

 and gave up, when she alighted and tried to dis- 

 pose of her prize, which was, after all, rather 

 embarrassing to her. The insect was large, and 

 she seemed afraid to put it under one toe, as 

 usual, lest she should be attacked and have to 

 fly suddenly, and so lose it. AYhen she did 

 make the attempt at last, her movements or his 

 strength caused a slip somewhere, and away he 



