Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-27
CHAPTER III
Too M1uy " Tres

TUDGE OWL, held fast in the embrace of
- Miss Snowy Owl, struggled violently to
get free, but she held hin; with a grip he
could not break, Then Judge Owl tried STRAIT
egy. He began TO rccite one of his poems.
"0 beautiful, beautiful Snowy Owl
| think that you are wonderful fowl:
But when you embrace me SO very tight
You hide all your fairness from my sight"
Judge Owl surely was wise old owl for
he had picked out just the right method to
save himself from being hugged 10 DEATH
Miss Snowy Owl was so much hattered that
she instantly let him go and began to pose
so that he could admire her. And she really
was very pretty bird, with her white feath-
ers daintly marked with black spots and
bars But there was look in her eye that
showed that she might have a temper. and
there we're dangerous looking black claws
peehing out from among the hairike feathers
that covered her feet.
You very, very handsome" said Judge
Owl gallantly, but Peggy noticed that as he
| said it he edged further awayS from Miss
Snowy Owl
"Oh, you fatterer." hooted Miss Snowy
Owl in her harsh voice. Don't you think
Id make fine wife,"
You surely would--for some nice, brave
said this he winked toward Peggy and Billy
and they had to gigglc, for Miss Snowy Owl
looked though she had seen many long
Arctic winter.
"Of course l am great deal younger than
YOU" smirlIed Miss Snowy OWL preenng her
| feathers, but then I'd rather have husband
| who has some sense. I'll take you"
But this climate is sure to disagree with
you,' argued Judge Owl "t gets very hot
| in summer"
;I-o
way" answered Miss Snowy Owl in a tone
| that seemed to settle the matter. "Wheres
your hollow trce?'
Judge Owl looked fearfully up at the opcn-
| ing to his nest and at that minute there came
| a screech from II that was like locomotive
whistle.
whats that" demanded Miss Snowy Owl,
rufIling up her feathers.
"Onc of the neighbors." promptly replied
Judge Owl. you'll not like her
| "Then I'll drive her away declared Miss
| Snowy Owl. "Show me your ncst."
Judge Owl paused a moment, then thought
| of a way out of his, dilemma.
Come on" he hooted, and led the way
to the entrance. He stepped politely back
| as he removed the stick in front of it and
| let Miss Snowy Owl enter first Then he
| snapped the stick quickly across the entrance
| and started to fly away, his quavering hoots
| turning to loud chuckles as he thought how
| he fooled his two would-be wives.
But Judge owl was not out or trouble yen
| From the tree above him there sounded a
wall so loud and uncanny that Peggy
| grabbed Billy Belgium in quick fright. He
| was startled, too, but as the wall. came a
| second time he laughed.
| IT'S Miss Screech OWL" he whispered.
shes also after Judge OWL"
Miss Screech Owl halted Judge Owl before
| he could get away.
| Here / am, Judge OWL to marry you,' she
ouavered plaintively.
"I'm sorry, but have a very important
engagement far, far away from here" de.
| clared Judge Owl promptly
| .I'u go with you." quavered Miss Screech
| Owl 1--WE will make II honeymoon trip"
| NO. It is a business engagement and I'm
| in hurry. Good night 20
| Now Miss Screech Owl appeared to get
| very much rufiled
| "Say you old fraud, what are you trying
10 do-escape from me? I've come here tC
| marry you and marry you will II L like
| YOUR nest Where is it?'
| Judge Owl didn't pause minute. lie
| turned back with Miss Screech Owl and led
the wan to the hole in his hollow tree
| pUere II is" he cried go in quick"
| He pulled the stick aside, and as Miss
| screech Owl popped within he snapped il
| hack into place. From inside the tree there
| now arose an awful clatter, squawking
screeching and hooting.
| "Good night, ladies'" hooted Judge Ow
I with a chuckle, and off he flew as fast as he
could -,
sticiS broke In two ard three angry lady owls
| Stamping and tearir at each other, tumbled
| out and chased after him.