Why should the frost make the sea-gulls hungry ?" "I think they're river-gulls," said Walsh; "but anyhow it's looking for something to eat they are, or they'd never be here.

I think there's a lot of damaged grain up somewhere in the lofts, and we'll boil up a pot of it for them, not to disappoint the creatures!" "That will be very good," said Terry, "if damaged grain will agree with them, Mr.Walsh.But do you think they will like to have it damaged ?" Walsh turned away laughing.

"Wait till you see them eating it, Miss Terry," he called over his shoulder.

"Maybe it's green peas and jam tarts you'd like to be settin' down to them!" "I don't think they would like jam tarts," said Terry, "but we might give them some meat;" and away she flew, followed by Turly, to interview the cook on the subject of a feast for the gulls.
"Oh, yes, Miss Terry, I'll find plenty for them! There's leavings enough.
It's only taking a little from the pigs, fat things that do be always eating a lot too much!" The end of it was that a splendid mess was made for the gulls, and spread in little heaps under the trees, and all about the lawn, and even under the windows, for Terry and Turly wanted to be able to watch them at their dinner, and they could not stay out of doors, as gulls are so easily frightened.
From behind the curtain the children watched them circling, circling downward.

Even when they smelt the hot food, the gulls did not alter their rhythmical pace and movement, but performed their journey in regular order, descending with each circle nearer and yet a little nearer to the ground.
At last the first gull ventured a foot upon the territory of man, and immediately they all dropped on one another, wings falling on wings, and cries filling the air as the beautiful hungry creatures forgot all their poetry in their ravening and scrambling for the food.
That was a good evening also, for by the time the gulls had eaten up all the dinner and flown away it was nearly the hour for going to Gran'ma, and she had to be informed of the delightful experience of the morning with the birds.