Page:The Way of the Wild (1923).pdf/214

 At this announcement a deep silence fell upon the clan. It was certainly a very serious matter.

"Now," said the president, "we will listen to the report of the chairman on membership. Let us see if we are holding our own."

A sleek, dignified crow, who was also something of a leader, took a commanding position where he could be both seen and heard, and made his report.

"Last year at this convention we reported five hundred and sixty members. I am glad to announce that to-day we have five hundred and ninety members, not including several crows who are absent. Some of our scouts are visiting other conventions."

"Caw, caw, caw. Good, good, good," resounded from every quarter. "Long live this clan. Caw, caw, hurrah, hurrah."

"I am able to make this final report," continued the chairman, "although nearly a hundred of our members lost their lives in the great freeze last winter when we were frozen in under the crust."