1 8 More Tales of the Birds 



after it he found time to go and spy again at the 

 nesting-place. The hen was sitting close, and 

 he would not disturb her. The cock was singing 

 above ; presently he came down and crept through 

 the grass towards her. But Bill saw no more 

 then, for the bugles began to call, and all that 

 great host fell gradually into battle array. 



Bill's regiment was stationed some little way 

 behind the cart-track, and was held ready to 

 form square at a moment's notice. Hours passed, 

 and then a hurried meal was served out ; the 

 battle was long in beginning. Every now and 

 then Bill could hear the Lark's song overhead, 

 and he listened to it now, and thought of the 

 nest as he listened. He could not see it, for a 

 battery of artillery was planted between him and 

 the track ; but he kept on wondering what would 

 happen to it, and it helped him to pass the weary 

 hours of waiting. 



At last, just at the time when the bells of the 

 village church were beginning to ring at home- 

 when village lads were gathering about the 

 church door, and the old clerk was looking up 

 the hymns, and getting the music out on the 



