A BOBWHITE FAMILY 147 



straight against the north side of the building several of 

 them flew headlong with resounding raps. Half stunned 

 and breathless the frightened birds crept across the yard 

 and through the fence, all but one, which lay dead and 

 bleeding by the house. 



Much of happiness the bobwhite family knew, although 

 there was much of watchfulness and anxiety and sudden 

 terror mingled with their joy. One of their number was 

 taken in a trap and carried away to the kitchen along with 

 a Carolina dove captured the same day. Another was 

 chased by a hawk and made its escape only by flying 

 directly into the open stable door, much to the astonish- 

 ment of the hens that were scratching there. 



Still another was struck by a shot that fatal day in the 

 peanut field, but had been able to make its escape with the 

 others. When cover was reached it had picked the feathers 

 out of the wound in its side and cleared away the blood, 

 doing the best it knew for its hurt. But the heavy sick- 

 ening pain in its body continued. All day it crouched 

 trembling or ran on after the others when the dread of 

 being left alone came upon it. It tried to ease its pain by 

 eating certain berries or leaves which old Mother Nature 

 whispered in its ear might be good. Through the long 

 hours of that autumn day it knew no joy, only sorrow was 

 in its heart, and a great fever was in its brain, and a swim- 



