122 
THE WILD TURKP:Y. 
as are his pinions, the quick ear of the turkey 
is almost sure to detect him. He rouses him- 
self in a moment, and calls out to his neigh- 
bour, by a cluck, and bids him take care, for 
"the owl is abroad I" and the cry of danger 
runs through the whole flock. 
To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and 
the turkeys, put upon their guard, know 
exactly what to do. They start to their legs, 
and watch every movement of the owl. In 
another second down he comes, swift as an 
arrow, and takes full aim at one of them. 
But the turkey, aimed at, drops his head at 
that identical moment, squats close to the 
branch, and spreads his tail over his back like 
a shield. The owl, who comes full drive, 
glances over the shield; and before he dis- 
covers that he has missed his mark, the turkey 
has thrown himself head first to the ground; 
where he lies, still sheltering himself >vith his 
tail, very much frightened, but not in the 
least hurt. 
As for the owl, he is bitterly disappointed, 
and wheeling round, sails up into the air 
again. I daresay he makes another trial ; but 
the turkeys are so fully prepared for his attacks. 
