224 THE FALCON AND THE CROWS. 



by the Hindoo patriarch and a number of servants, who 

 seemed determined to recover the chicken by the force of 

 sticks and stones. But the charge was unavailing, and 

 the patriarch then entered the hous, saying, in effect, 

 that his falcon, Hyder, could master the robber. In a few 

 minutes he came forth, with a hooded falcon upon his 

 wrist. At the sight of this dreaded bird, the marauding 

 crows flew away in every direction. The veteran falconer 

 then requested that the whole party should retire into the 

 house, and he would conceal the falcon, until the crows 

 returned. We complied, but took our stations at the win- 

 dows, where we observed what passed. Presently, an old 

 crow sneaked back to the tree beneath which the chicken 

 had been dropped, and then about a dozen had the courage 

 to follow. 



Now was the time for the commencement of the sport. 

 The patriarch quickly unhooded Hyder. The leash slipped, 

 and as a crow alighted furtively upon the ground where 

 the chicken lay, the falcon dashed at the enemy. We 

 then rushed out to obtain a fair view of the sport. At 

 the sight of the falcon the crow dropped his prize, and 

 shrieking as usual, skimmed away through the trees, pur- 

 sued by his stubborn foe. All was excitement. The Coolies 

 rushed about, whooping, as if to frighten the crow as much 

 as possible. Vainly the crow strives to gain a shelter ; 

 the falcon hangs close upon him, gaming every moment. 



