The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1901-10-05
YOYOUK'S RAVENS.
DY GEORGE HARLOW CLARK

native process, and 1t was primaril
designed to be stretched between
series OF posts to form a salmon-rac ch
Although fiat instead of round, an,
less than a halfinch wide. it wa
capable of sustaining a very heav,
weight.
A very small spur or crag project!
from a face of the rock column jus
bcIow the top. Could he succeed il
passing the rope over this, an agile
climber, like himself, might mount tt
1t with comparative ease. Hayine
'irst unwoHnd the ball. Koyouk tied al
end OF the twine to the rope and made
last the other to an arrow. Then
putting the feathered notch to the bow
string, he measured the distance wifi
his eye and sent the shaft, with the
white cord trailing behind it, hurtline
aloft
Although accounted the most skill
full young archer of his village, his first
shot merely disturbed the domestic
tranquility CT the tenants of the aerie
The old birds at once took wing. and
wheeling above their home, expressed
their indignation by discordant croak.
ing. to which their offspring responded
with shrill squawks of alarm.
A second trial was successful. De-
scrlblnS graceful curve past the top
OF the rock. the missile whistled earth.
ward. but as it fell the cord lodged
fairly on the spur. from which a
double line remained suspended.
When he had recovered the arrow,
1t was a simple matter, by pulling in
the cord to replace it with the rope.
Then :koyouk grasped the slender,
swaying strands. tugged 1T them with
all his strength until they were as
taut as metal rods under the strain,
then threw his entire weight upon
them and swung his body to and fro
human pendulum. This test con-
yiaced him that the rope would hold.
lie slowed the flour-sack Ia the hod
Of his parkie, or jumper, and then
swarmed nimbly up the precipitous
face Of the column The spur was
gained without mishap, and securing
foothold on it. he scrambled up on the
sloping platform yard or so above.
Close at hand, in the center of a
space Of irregular outline, but nowhere
more than six feet across. the excited
chicks. five little creatures, almost
fully fledged, huddled in a huge nest,
bulky with the accumulated debris Of
many seasons. The prize was nearly
won.
But the old birds greeting Of 10
youk on their very hearth almost
brought about a disastrous termina-
tion Of the enterprise. Hitherto they
had restricted themselves to vocifer.
Gus prctestation. but when they saw
the intruder crouch within arms
length Of their defenseless brood,
resentment toward the one, mingled
with solicituic for the others, impelled
them to close with him. Screaming
with rage. they swooped down in
furious charge. striking with beak and
talons, AMI beating him about the
head with their stout wings.
So swift and unexpected was the
assault that Koyouk had barely time
to crouch beside the nest to avoid
a frightful fall. Fortunately. he re-
tanned presence of mind and managed
or.1c cfP Nf hot h11t in
the defense his unprotected han1s
we're soon severely scratched and cut.
Pruince counseled immediate re-
treat, but Koyouk iisdained to 20
1t had been his origi-
ial intention to pick out the choicest
one of the brood, but he had counted
IN leisure with which to examine and
select. and this violent reception dis
concerted him. So. taking advantage
II an opportune lull in the conflict he
,lucked the sack from his hood, seized
he first bird that came to hand, and in
;pite of it's puny resistance popped 1T
nto the bag and tied up the mouth
With rawhide thong.
This act was the signal for a cessa-
ion OF the truce. Again the infuriat-
d pair swept down to battle, this
ime to rescue or avenge the captive.
)ne, the smaller, iarted fearlessly at
loyouk's face, but well-aimei thrust
With his clenched fist repelled it. The
lext instant, as he glanced about to
ocate it's mate before beginning the
|escent. he behelj sight that caused
lin to utter a cry of CONSERVATION.
Koyouk turned just in time to see
he other bird fly from the spur be-
lcath his feet with the light rope
lutched in its powerful talons.
mother moment and it was lying on
he ground, so feet below. Escape
vas now impossible.
Koyouk was not easily frightened.
ut the birds uncanny instinct, to-
ether with the peril Of his situation.
lied him with dismay. Bitterly he
egretted that fear of parental disap-
roval had induced him to keep his
roject secret, for otherwise he might
ave contemplated early relief in
tead of the prospect Of days elapsing
efore q searching party could rescue