128 THE SECOND BOOK OF BIRDS 
major’ s tent, and lay down to enjoy it, dog-fash- 
ion. In a minute or two, a little party of six 
magpies came around, probably hoping to be 
invited to dinner. The dog did not take the 
hint, but went on gnawing. 
Then the birds seemed to consider, and after 
a few minutes they placed themselves around the 
dog. One stood right in front of his nose about 
two feet away. Another one took his place close 
to the dog’s tail, while two stood on each side. 
When all the birds were ready, the one by the 
tail gave ita sharp peck. No dog could stand 
that insult. The victim forgot his bone, wheeled 
around, and dashed after that bird. He did not 
catch him with the first grab, and the wily bird 
fluttered away. He did not go fast enough to 
show the dog he could not catch him, but he 
led him on and kept him eager to get at him as 
- long as he could. 
But what happened to the dog’s dinner all 
this time ? Of course you have guessed that the 
instant the dog left, the five hungry magpies 
pounced upon the bone. They did n’t mind eat- 
ing at the second table. They knew their time 
was short, and they made good use of it. I’m 
afraid they “ gobbled.” 
When the dog saw that he could n’t catch the 
magpie, he thought of his dinner, and came 
