cream into each tin cup, along with lumps of sugar.

"This is what I call living," sighed Giraffe, as he craned his neck
visibly in the endeavor to see, whether there was a third "helping" left
in the pan for "manners," which was another name for Conrad Stedman.

"Hadn't we better save this piece of steak for Tim?" suggested Step Hen,
wickedly, for that was the name he had given to the captive owl.

"No, you don't," objected Giraffe, vociferously, just as the other had
known he would do; "that's the very last beef steak we're apt to see for
half a moon; and I say it would be a shame to waste it on a heathen
bird. Besides, you couldn't coax Jim to take a bite till he's nearly
starved; ain't that so, Thad?"

They always appealed to either the assistant scout-master or Allan,
whenever any question like this came up, connected with bird or animal
lore; and no matter how puzzling the matter might seem to the one who
asked, it was promptly answered in nearly every instance.

"Yes, he isn't likely to take hold for a day or two," replied Thad. "By
that time the old fellow will sort of get used to seeing us about; and
he won't refuse to eat when you put something out for him; only all of
you be careful that he doesn't prefer a piece out of your hand. Don't
trust him ever!"

"You can make up your mind I won't give him a chance to grab me,"
asserted Bumpus, never dreaming that by accident he would be the very
first to feel the force of that curved beak.