KedvMjf 69 



ing the Gunner Moon many a one had tried to 

 end his splendid life, just as a worthless wretch 

 of old sought fame by burning the Ephesian 

 wonder of the world. But Redruff was deep 

 in woodcraft. He knew just where to hide, 

 and when to rise on silent wing, and when to 

 squat till overstepped, then rise on thunder 

 wing within a yard to shield himself at once 

 behind some mighty tree-trunk and speed 

 away. 



But Cuddy never ceased to follow with his 

 gun that red-ruffed cock ; many a long snap, 

 shot he tried, but somehow always found a tree, 

 a bank, or some safe shield between, and Red- 

 ruff lived and throve and drummed. 



When the Snow Moon came he moved with 

 Graytail to the Castle Frank woods, where 

 food was plenty as well as grand old trees. 

 There was in particular, on the east slope 

 among the creeping hemlocks, a splendid pine. 

 It was six feet through, and its first branches 

 began at the tops of the other trees. Its top 

 in summer-time was a famous resort for the 

 bluejay and his bride. Here, far beyond the 

 reach of shot, in warm spring days the jay 

 would sing and dance before his mate, spread 

 his bright blue plumes and warble the sweetest 

 fairyland music, so sweet and soft that few hear 



