51 



behind. The owl therefore decided to make a move. 

 The crows followed. 



The owl was at an obvious disadvantage while 

 flying for, its eyes being forwardly directed, it could 

 not see what the crows were doing. It, therefore, soon 

 came to rest on the branch of a mango tree. The crows, 

 who were thoroughly enjoying themselves, mounted 

 guard. Then the owl made a bold bid for freedom. 

 It flew off at a great pace. The crows dashed after it. 



At this juncture I lost sight of the comic trio, but 

 I believe that one, at least, of the crows secured a 

 beakful of the owl's feathers, for the pursuers suddenly 

 desisted from the chase and returned to their com- 

 panions, who greeted them with what appeared to be 

 caws of applause. 



A very favourite amusement of the crows is to give 

 chase to a comrade who has been unfortunate enough 

 to secure a piece of 

 food, preferably a 

 slice of toast, too large 

 for him to 

 swallow 

 at gulp. 



