When I go visiting I may take a little feathered game, but oftener I live on my favorite mice, or go a-fishing in creeks that are not frozen; for I am a day Owl, and can see quite well in the sunlight.

You never see me except in winter, for I am a thing of cold and snow, whose acquaintance you can seldom cultivate; but if you knew me well you would find me gentle, kind, and willing to be friends with you--if you do not believe me, ask the Wise Men." "Acquitted! You see we are proving our innocence," said the Eagle proudly.

But he hesitated a moment before calling upon the Great Horned Owl, as if he himself doubted the honesty of this savage bird.
He was large, nearly two feet high, with very long ear-tufts and great staring yellow eyes in the middle of his large flat face.

He was mottled on the back and wings with buff and black, had on a white cravat, and his vest was barred with black, white, and buff; his sharp black talons were almost hidden by feathers, but not so much so as the Snowy Owl's.
[Illustration: Great Horned Owl] "None of you like me because you are afraid of me, and so you would rather condemn me than not," began the Horned Owl fiercely.

"But I am not afraid of anything or anybody.