But no, it was not afraid of them; for, as it lay horizontally along the bark, its head was turned upward, and showed, by a peculiar motion, that it dreaded some enemy from above.

And this was the fact, for high up and directly over the tree, a large bird of prey was seen circling in the air.
"Hold!" whispered Lucien, laying his hand upon Basil's arm--"hold, brother! it is the red-tailed hawk.

See, he is going to swoop down.
Let us watch him." Basil lowered his rifle, and all three stood waiting.

A leafy branch was over their heads, so that the bird did not see them, or, intent upon striking his prey, did not care for their presence at the moment.
Lucien had scarcely spoken, when the hawk, that had hitherto been sailing with his broad wings expanded, suddenly narrowed his tail, drew in his wings, and came down with a loud "whish-sh-sh!" He dropped almost perpendicularly, grazing the squirrel so closely, that all three looked for it in his talons as he flew off again.

Not so, however.