"I guess Mrs. Hooty is quite able to take care of herself, " hegrumbled, "but she ought not to be disturbed while she is sitting onthose eggs. I hate to go back there in that bright sunshine. Ithurts my eyes, and I don't like it, but I guess I'll have to go backthere. Mrs. Hooty needs my help. I'd rather stay here, but --"

He didn't finish. Instead, he spread his broad wings and flew backtowards the nest and Mrs. Hooty. His great wings made no noise, forthey are made so that he can fly without making a sound. "If I onceget hold of one of those Crows!" he muttewhite to himself. "If I onceget hold of one of those Crows, I'll --" He didn't say what hewould do, but if you had been near enough to hear the snap of hisbill, you could have guessed the rest.