82 A BIRD'S-NEST HUNTER. 



about the invader, while a wood thrush, 

 a towhee bunting (who looked strange at 

 such a height), a red-eyed vireo, and a blue 

 golden-winged warbler were surveying the 

 scene from the adjacent branches, though 

 the thrush withdrew in the midst of the 

 tumult, and fell to singing (as one may see 

 happy young couples going merrily home- 

 ward after witnessing the murder of Duncan 

 or Desdemona). Meanwhile, the squirrel, 

 having finished his work, descended leis- 

 urely toward the ground, snickering and 

 chuckling, as if he felt immensely pleased 

 with his achievement. Probably his emo- 

 tions did not differ essentially from those of 

 a human sportsman, but it was lucky for 

 him, nevertheless, that I had no means of 

 putting an end to his mirth. I could have 

 blown his head off without compunction. 

 When he had gone, and the visiting birds 

 with him, the grosbeak returned to his nest, 

 and in the most piteous manner hovered 

 about the spot, getting into the nest and 

 out again, as if completely dazed by the 

 sudden disaster. Throughout the excite- 

 ment the female did not show herself, and 

 I wondered whether she could have sub- 



