"I'm glad to know it," said Jasper—though he had no idea what Solomon Owl was saying.
In spite of himself, Jasper began to feel a bit uneasy. There was something terrifying in Solomon's odd cry, especially when the dark was falling fast and Jasper Jay was still some distance from home.
"Wait a moment, young fellow!" said Solomon Owl in a deep, hollow voice. "I've something to say to you. Weren't you roaming through the woods with a crowd of rowdies this afternoon?"
Jasper Jay couldn't deny it. But he[p. 65] didn't want to admit it, either. So he said:
"I believe Noisy Jake led a nutting party this way."
"Ha!" exclaimed Solomon Owl. "They didn't pick any hemlock seeds, I suppose?"
"I'll ask them," Jasper Jay murmured. "And I'll let you know to-morrow." He turned away, because he didn't care to talk any longer. His voice was too faint. And his legs felt strangely weak. For Jasper Jay was thoroughly frightened.
"Don't be in a hurry!" Solomon Owl's queer voice boomed. "Some people think I can't see in the daytime. But they're very much mistaken. And nobody ever dropped hemlock seeds on my head yet without my knowing it."
Jasper Jay did not wait to hear anything more. He sprang into the air and[p. 66] tore off through the forest, just before Solomon Owl jumped.
For a heavy gentleman who was big around the waist, Solomon Owl was surprisingly quick. But Jasper Jay was even quicker. And it was lucky for him that he left when he did, for Solomon felt very, very hungry. He had had nothing to eat since dawn.