AND THEIR NEIGHBORS. 
213 
voice of Bob was heard from his favorite 
tree. 
‘‘ Hoh ! ” he exclaimed sarcastically, so 
poor old Mrs. ^ Odds and Ends ’ has laid some 
eggs ! Hum ! I wish her much luck. I sup- 
posed she had got by all usefulness in that 
line. I don’t believe but some of her neigh- 
bors took pity on her, and laid the eggs for 
her. Poor old soul ! that silly habit she has 
of wagging her tail every time a body comes 
near her, or when she goes near the water so 
that she can see her own reflection, is very 
absurd ! Just as if any body would fall in 
love with her ! And old Mr. ‘ Odds and Ends,’ 
he had better keep that widow Cow Bunting 
away from the neighborhood ; he never ap- 
peared to have ordinary gumption.” 
Now, to be accused of an acquaintance with 
the widow Cow Bunting, is to receive the 
greatest insult known to birds, and Towhee 
felt it keenly ; but by a mighty effort he con- 
quered his rage, and, although his friends 
urged him to give Bob a good drubbing, he 
only answered, — 
