The Burgess Bird Book for Children 



that chance to sneak over there and rob that nest 

 when there was no one to see him." 



Just then from over towards the Green Forest 

 sounded a mocking "Caw, caw, caw!" In- 

 stantly the noise in the Old Orchard ceased for a 

 moment. Then it broke out afresh. There wasn't 

 a doubt now in any one's mind. Blacky the Crow 

 was the robber. How those tongues did go ! 

 There was nothing too bad to say about Blacky. 

 And such dreadful things as those birds promised 

 to do to Blacky the Crow if ever they should 

 catch him in the Old Orchard. 



"Caw, caw, caw!" shouted Blacky from the 

 distance, and his voice sounded very much as if 

 he thought he had done something very smart. 

 It was quite clear that at least he was not sorry 

 for what he had done. 



All the birds were so excited and so angry, as 

 they gathered around Welcome and Mrs. Robin 

 trying to comfort them, that it was some time 

 before 'their indignation meeting broke up and 

 they returned to their own homes and duties. 

 Almost at once there was another cry of distress. 

 Mr. and Mrs. Chebec had been robbed of their 

 eggs ! While they had been attending the in- 

 dignation meeting at the home of the Robins, a 

 thief had taken the chance to steal their eggs and 

 get away. 



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