Robin Hood's Barn 



and held nothing of obligation. But once I had 

 started homeward with my burden he would fol- 

 low me with song, uttered just before flight as 

 an act of exquisite courtesy. 



One evening I was suddenly aware that I 

 had heard no summons. I suspected that silence 

 meant my discharge, but I wished to make sure. 

 Low on the syringa bush I found the mother. 

 This time she made no move to share her secrets. 

 She flew by without sign of recognition. Indeed, 

 I might have been a nurse-maid whom she had 

 dismissed. Yet, glad as I was to be rid of my 

 charges I could not return her slight with indif- 

 ference. I had been in the family too long for 

 that. Instead I continued my search imtil high 

 in the grape vines, I came upon a figure, wee and 

 defenseless, but with a determined clutch to his 

 claws and a set to his stubby tail that bade me 

 defiance. Protection I saw at a glance would 

 be an insult. He was no mollycoddle, but a man 

 of the world. 



Lonely as I was at their departure, I was de- 

 termined that I should have no more guests. Had 

 I been the Chinaman with the scroll I should have 

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