cited. The Indians are quick to notice the actions of even the most
insignificant birds when on their hunting or warlike excursions. Many a
lurking warrior, securely hid from the keenest human eye, has been given
away by a noisy blue jay or a suspicious cawing crow, and has thus
failed in his attempt to surprise his enemy, and has been obliged to
make a hasty retreat.

In answer to Frank's question, Big Tom told the boys how some of the
wild animals are warned by the birds of the approach of the hunters, and
are thus the more difficult to reach. So here the whisky jacks, noisy
at any time, but unusually so now, attracted the curiosity of those
alert, watchful old Indians, as well as much amused the boys with their
saucy ways. The birds, as usual, clamoured around the fire, and as long
as a crumb or bit of anything could be obtained were very saucy and
persistent in their begging. It was great fun for the boys to feed
them, and to even catch some of them by their feet, so bold and
venturesome were they. They were all, however, speedily liberated, as
Mustagan and Big Tom were anxious, if possible, to learn something from
them. So the remains of the meal were speedily scattered, and while the
boys wrapped robes around themselves and sat near the fire to keep warm,
the Indians, lighting their pipes, sat down on a log near the fire to
watch the actions of the birds. For a time they fluttered around and
scolded in their pert, boisterous manner. Then, seeing there was
nothing more forthcoming, they began flying about in the woods, but
occasionally came back to see if the next meal was being prepared.
Seeing no signs of it, they flew further and further away, and now
principally in one direction.

After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual
cries of the birds. He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and
they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to
act. Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the
birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of
the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made
their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen
themselves, they could observe the birds. To their keenest
investigation nothing unusual was visible. The new, trackless snow was
as yet unmarked by step of man or beast. Still excitedly the birds
acted, and incessantly scolded. Soon th