224 THE STORY OF A BIRD LOVER 



directly to it and halted; but when a wounded 

 bird struggled on the ground, it was a difficult 

 matter to get the burro to approach it, and he 

 generally preferred to have me dismount at 

 some distance and secure the bird myself; a 

 consummation which apparently entirely satisfied 

 him. 



At the feeding time this burro was frequently 

 one of the party of animals at the banquet, and 

 was apparently received with as good fellowship 

 as any of the members of the motley company. 

 On the days when not in use, about five o'clock 

 in the afternoon, " burro" was accustomed to come 

 to the house in quest of the ration of barley which 

 was his daily portion. One could almost tell the 

 time of day by his arrival. Often I was busy, and 

 if the desired barley was not forthcoming, he 

 would call me with a low whinny. At such 

 times, if he saw me, and I paid no attention to 

 the first intimation, he came and nudged me on 

 the arm. If I continued inattentive, he would 

 nibble gently at my coat, and pull it. Further 

 delay occasioned him to back off a little way and 

 to utter the most terrific bray imaginable ; then I 

 knew he must be waited on, for if I protracted 

 the event further, he would rush up, seize me by 

 the coat, and begin to drag me about. I often 

 teased him, pretending not to be aware of his 

 presence until the last possible moment. 



