34 WITHIN AN HOUR OF LONDON TOWN. 



" Yes, and rats too. I can't put my grub down 

 anywhere but what it gets nibbled. Drat them 

 things ! After they've been messing it about I can't 

 stomach it, noways ; and we has 'em most when the 

 bird season's on." 



"Just so, my young friend, of course you do. 

 There is plenty of food scattered about for them 

 to pick up. The owls visit your coops for the rats 

 and mice, not for your birds." 



" Well, I'm jiggered if you ain't about right. I 

 say, mister, what do you reckon he does with them 

 owls ? We never has 'em nailed up on the shed 

 now." 



" Did you ever see a bird screen ? " 



" What's that ?" 



" Why, the head of a bird with the wings spread 

 round it, fixed to a fancy handle." 



" Oh ! I see'd one up at the house. They said 

 master had shot it in furrin parts, and had it done 

 up for the missis like that." 



" Well, listen to me." 



" All right, my ears is open." 



"Just now owls are the fashion for ladies' fire- 

 screens, I am sorry to say, and your head un, 



