40 STORIES OF EARTH AND SKY 



the birds seemed quite affected, and after a little 

 consultation the Grouse drummed once more for 

 order, and announced : 



"This is our decision. As Crows are cannibals 

 and nuisances in the nesting and planting seasons, 

 though rather harmless the rest of the year, we 

 decree that those who wish to build nests must go 

 to the other side of Wild Cat Mountain and stay 

 until their cannibal season is over, while any others 

 may remain here, if they will never even roost in 

 a tree where there is a bird's nest ! Moreover, the 

 penalty for remaining here after to-day is to be 

 chased by House People, Hawks, and Kingbirds ! " 



Ondaig flew off to carry the decree to his tribe, 

 who were so angry that they all flew to beating 

 him as if he were to blame. In fact, the poor 

 Crow would probably have lost his remaining eye 

 if it had not been for Zoah, the Red-tailed Hawk, 

 who swooped down and dispersed the crowd, which 

 clattered off, leaving Kaw Ondaig and another 

 cripple behind, as the only two who did not wish 

 to build nests. 



"Go down to Miss Jule's and she will let you 

 live about the barns," called Anne ; so the two 

 old bachelor Crows flopped off, and any day you 

 may see them walking contentedly in and out of 

 the granary at the Horse Farm. 



