208 
THE TOWHEE BUNTINGS 
Ills audience, getting tired of his nonsense, 
left the scene ; among these were the Golden 
Crowns. A few remained to hear his story 
out, and to these he resumed his remarks. 
Now it is my misfortune,” he said, to be 
envied, in my personal appearance, or good 
disposition, or sweet song, by this pair of 
^ odds and ends,- and they lose no opportunity 
of making me suffer from their meanness ; 
they are confirmed scandal-mongers, and they 
are constantly pulling my character to pieces. 
Now, although, of course, they are beneath 
your notice, I will caution you all, my neigh- 
bors and friends, that none of you are safe 
from their wicked attacks ; and that, if they 
are permitted to dwell among you, nothing but 
trouble and mischief will be tlie result.” 
Here he paused, and looked about him for 
some sign of approval from his auditors ; he 
was surprised, however, to find that but one 
or two of the birds were left ; and as they 
listened apparently much amused, but made 
no sign of approval, he had sense to see that 
they were paying him the poor compliment of 
