BIRDS OF NIGHT. 41 



the side of his cage, he tried his best to make me 

 talk to him, which I did. Then I opened his cage- 

 door, and putting my hand in, very gently stroked 

 his head with my finger. His low, complaining cry 

 stopped instantly. After a little while I took him 

 out from the cage and placed him on my hand. 

 Settling down on it, more in the position of a par- 

 tridge than a bird of prey, he closed his eyes and 

 slept. There was comfort for him at last. I un- 

 buttoned my waistcoat, and, placing him inside, 

 let him sleep there for two hours without disturbing 

 him. That good long sleep and the warmth, with 

 proper food, brought him round, for I could plainly 

 see that he would soon have joined his tribe in a 

 shadow flight elsewhere if he had not come to me 

 when he did. He was then quite a wild bird, for 

 his wing and tail feathers were perfect a sure 

 sign. 



By degrees he lost some of his shyness, and with 

 returning strength began to give me some little 

 insight into his character, and to talk in his own 

 way to my wife as well as myself. A gentle, in- 

 telligent, fearless bird he is ; no bite or scratch have 

 we had from him. As much care and attention have 



