Page:The Way of the Wild (1923).pdf/209

 many of your scalps, for I have taught you the wisdom of men. If you are to fight men, you must know their ways and their thoughts as well as their language. You bet." This latter phrase was given in English by the president to the great astonishment of the young crows and the delight of the older ones. A caw of approval ran like a ripple through the maples.

"Yes, I have led you wisely, but there are still several things that I want to call your attention to. The most important of these is the robbing of birds' nests in the villages close to the houses. It must stop at once."

"How can we live if we don't rob birds' nests?" croaked a rusty old crow. "I have to have bird's eggs in the early spring to keep my coat black."

"It don't keep it very black, grandpa," sneered a sleek fellow close to the president.

"Wait until you are as old as I am," croaked grandpa. "I don't believe you will have even a tail feather left."

"Silence, silence," cawed the chairman. "Don't quarrel and don't interrupt me. I re-