82 THE SWAN AND HER CREW. 



proceed more cautiously, for the branches were thin, and the 

 tree swayed in the wind. All doub.ts as to the kind of 

 nest were speedily dissolved, for with a cry of rage, a sparrow- 

 hawk came dashing up, and flew in circles around the tree, 

 screaming angrily, and making fierce attacks at the invader of 

 its home. Frank, nothing daunted, continued his upward way, 

 and soon was able to see into the nest. 

 " There are four young ones," he cried. 



SPARROW-HAWK. 



"What a pity," said Jimmy. " If they had only been eggs ! 

 Look sharp and come down, Frank, you are swinging about 

 so much that it does not seem safe up there." 



But Frank answered nothing, and remained on his perch. 



" What is the matter, Frank? " 



" I am thinking about something." 



" A tree-top is a funny place to think. Here is the other 

 hawk coming to pay you a visit, and it is the female. She 

 will be more savage than the other, and may attack you." 



w No fear," said Frank, but at that moment both hawks made 



