CANNIBALS IN COURT 335 



me ; for I am able to take care of myself, and quite 

 independent. 



" I do not even have 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, Bird 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 lie 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 tlie claws and 

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

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



The Marsh Hawk 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 white, 

 mottled with broAvn, 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 I am called the 

 Marsh Hawk. The voices of the Hawk Brotherhood 

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

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



