In color they were of the metallic cast of blue which has a sheen distinct from the rich shade seen on the jay's wings or the brilliance of the bluebird.

Flashing in and out among the hanging blossoms their beautiful blue coats made them an easy target for the boys who attended the neighborhood country school.
[Illustration: The Indigo Bird.] To bring down a sweet songster with a shower of stones, panting and bleeding to the ground, they thought was the best sport in the world, and the woods rang and echoed with their whoops and cheers as each poor bird fell to the earth.

A mere glimpse of one of the blue beauties as he hid among the leaves seemed to fire these cruel children with a wish to kill it.
One half-grown boy, who went by the name of Big Bill, was noticeable for his brutality.

He encouraged the others in cruelties which they might not have thought of, for such is the force of evil example and companionship.

A distinguishing mark was a large scar on his cheek, probably inflicted by some enraged animal while being tortured by him.
I always felt sure Big Bill would come to some bad end.