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.”
But Solomon Owl was still in no hurry.
“It’s a difficult question to settle,” said he. “I don’t want to make any mistake. So I shall have to ask you to come back here to-morrow at this time.”
Both Jasper and Mr. Crow seemed disappointed. Although Mr. Crow had won each fight, he was very weary, for he was older than Jasper Jay.