“I’ll have to think about this,” Solomon observed at last.

“We don’t want to wait,” said Mr. Crow. “If we keep on disputing we’re
likely to have a fight.”

Now, Solomon Owl hoped that they would have a fight. So he was determined
to keep them waiting for his decision.

“Come back to-morrow at this time,” he said.





XVI
NINE FIGHTS


The next evening, just at dusk, Jasper Jay and old Mr. Crow returned to
Solomon Owl’s house, looking much bedraggled. One of Mr. Crow’s eyes was
almost closed; and Jasper Jay’s crest seemed to have been torn half off
his head.

“What’s the matter?” asked Solomon, as soon as he saw them.

“We’ve had three fights,” said Jasper Jay.

“Yes! And I’ve whipped him each time!” cried Mr. Crow. “So I must be in
the right. And you’d better decide our dispute in my favor at once.”