180 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



should play with the buttons of his coat, then the 

 American was at once to waive all claim to her. 

 The trial was immediately made. The Yankee 

 went up stairs, and shortly returned with the 

 falcon ; but the door was hardly opened before 

 she darted from his fist and perched at once on 

 the shoulder of her beloved and long lost protec- 

 tor, evincing by every means in her power, her 

 delight and affection, rubbing her head against 

 his cheek and taking hold of the buttons of his 

 coat and champing them playfully between her 

 mandibles, one after another. This was enough. 

 The jury were unanimous. A verdict for the 

 plaintiff was pronounced : even the obdurate heart 

 of the sea captain was melted, and the falcon 

 was at once restored to the arms of her rightful 

 owner. 



