338 The Sparrow Hawk 
satisfied, and, after killing them, would leave them 
on the fence or the limb of a tree. 
This pet hawk rendered another good service, by 
guarding the chickens, although it was probably unin- 
tentional on his part, putting to flight all crows or 
hawks that came about the poultry yard. One day, 
while endeavoring to drive away a large hawk, a 
fierce fight ensued. The larger hawk retreated toward 
the woods, but the combat was kept up until, as they 
rose higher and higher, the watchers at the house lost 
sight of them. When last seen each was trying to | 
gain the advantage that the more elevated position 
afforded. The little sparrow hawk never came back; 
whether he fell a victim to the larger hawk or 
whether he was shot by some thoughtless gunner 
will probably never be known. 
