Page:The Way of the Wild (1923).pdf/212

 would suggest is this. That we make a rule not to rob a bird's nest in sight of a house. That is the only safe way."

"Oh, my coat," piped grandpa. "I shall be as rusty as a rusty blackbird. No lady crow will ever look at me again. I was thinking seriously of taking a mate next spring and raising a fine brood."

This announcement was greeted by a great caw of derision from the lady crows, all of whom looked disdainfully at the old fellow.

"We won't worry any about your coat or your mate," said the chairman sternly. "You are rustier than any blackbird now, and there isn't a lady crow in the convention who would so much as look at you."

"Caw, caw, caw," chorused all the female crows. "He's a back number. He's a rusty old gent. We don't want him."

"You see how it is. You had better make the best of it."

At these stern words from the chairman who looked at the old chap in his most disdainful