SOME BIRDS 



scientific friend is by no means a skilful liar, and, 

 suspecting him at once, we finally forced from 

 him the whole truth. That night the men, 

 under the Professor's enthusiastic leadership, 

 rounded up the pea-fowl, and driving them into 

 the woodshed, locked them up for the night, 

 when peace settled down upon the island. But 

 the end was near. These big birds must needs 

 also dust themselves, and imagine, if you please, 

 the appearance of the flower-beds after they were 

 through with them. I waited for no formalities ; 

 no court-martial was held, but I promptly pre- 

 sented them to Deck, and when he accepted the 

 gift, added, "Then they are yours from this 

 moment ; but remember, if I find them on the 

 island to-morrow morning, by the eternal ! I '11 

 eat 'em." 



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