(|iuiil I was watching. It was one of the covey 

 that I had heard call from the woods. 



Again and again the signal was sent forth 

 until a third, fourth, and finally a fifth were 

 grouped aliout the leader. There was just an 

 audible twitter of welcome and gratitude ex- 

 changed as each new-comer made his appearance. 

 Once more the whistle sounded ; but this time 

 there was no response across the silent field. 



Tlie quails made their way to a thick cedar 

 that spread out over the ground, and, huddling 

 together in a close bunch under this, they mur- 

 mured something soft and low among themselves 

 and — dieamed. 



Some of the family were e\'idently missing, 

 and I ci'ept away, sorry that e^'en one had been 

 [alcen fi'om the little brood. 



' Ami — di-eamerl." 



