Omaha daily bee., 1918-09-09
<<TAWl Cawi Caw!"

HTAWl Cawl Cawl
Peggy lifted her eyes to
~ where a long, black process
sion was speeding rapidly across the
calm evening sky.
The Crow army homeward
bound" she thought. Il hope they
haven't been in mischief today"
There were thousands upon thou
sands of dusky birds fastening to
their rookery after a day of hunting.
They made swift-howing aerial
stream that seemed endless. Woe
to the farmer upon whose shocked
corn descended that dark, destroying
cloud. Woe, also, to the young, weak
birds that fell in their path if the
days hunting hadn't been good,
81 declare war! declare war on all
the crows" came a challenging boot
from the top of the house. There
stood Brownie Owl, the picture of
defiance, ruffling his feathers impu-
IDENTIFY at the host passing above.
On his head was a shining military
helmet made of a water lily pad, that
added to the boldness of his appear
ance. He looked so saucy standing
there all alone and hurting his reck-
less defy into the face of the huge
crow army that Peggy couldn't help
giggling at him.
He heard the giggle and scowled
down at her.
"Princess Peggy, arise!" he hooted.
"The time has come to strike! This
night you are to lead my forces
against the dastardly crows!'
That put an entirely different face
upon the matter for Peggy. 1t was
funny for Brownie Owl to challenge
the thousands of Crows, but it wasn't
a bit funny for him to drag her into it.
why should | lead your forces7"
she asked Indignantly.
Because you promised and the
promise of Princess Peggy is sa-
cred" promptly hooted Brownie Owl
in reply.
Then Peggy remembered that she
had made him promise-a promise
to help him if he went to war upon
the Crows, but she hadn't promised
to take the whole burden of the fight
upon herself. Brownie Owl didn't
give her time to argue the matter.
Come, my brave army, and salute
Princess Peggy!" he commanded, and
over the top of the roof there
strutted rows upon rows of Owls,
Night Hawks and Whip-Poor-W Wills.
Each wore helmet like that of
Brownie Owl, and they looked very
formidable in spite of the fact that
they didn't compare at all in num-
bers with the Crows.
princess Peggy, we salute your
they cried Under your leadership
we shall make the forest and fields
safe from Crows and other de-
stro~ers."
ooh, if that is what you are trying
to do. I'll help you all can" an
swered Peggy, who grew more en-
thusiastic when she found that they
were battling for something worth
while, instead of simply to secure re-
venge for Brownie Owl.
"Your chariot watts, Princess"
hooted Brownie Owl.
Over he roof came sailing Peggy's
aerial chariot, in which she had
taken wonderful flights in previous ad-
ventures. Only this time instead Of
being carried by Scarlet Tanagers and
drawn by Blue Birds, it was carried
by Whip-Poor- Wills and drawn by
Night Hawks. They all looked very
warlike in their helmets.
You'll find fairy-ring grass under
the throne" hooted Brownie Owl.
Sure enough, in tiny chest on the
chariot were the magical blades of
grass. Peggy tasted one, and quick
as wink she was as tiny as the
Birds. She stepped aboard the char
lot and seated herself on the throne.
Up rose the Birds and soon she float
ed in the air high above the town.