Wild Duck.
As the blow vibrated through the tree, the sitting bird flew off, and what do you think it proved to be? A wild-duck! The boys were astounded. They had heard of ducks building in hollow trees, and at some distance from water, but to build a nest on the top of a high tree seemed incredible, so Frank said he would climb up and see the eggs, but—
"Let me go," said Dick, "I have never climbed a tall tree, and it looks an easy one, although it is tall, for there are plenty of branches."
"Oh, please take care, Dick," said Mary.
"Oh, he will be all right. You never tell me to take care, young woman," said Frank, laughing, while Mary blushed.
Dick was soon up the tree, showing skill worthy of a practised climber, and rather to the surprise of his companions.
"It is a duck's nest in an old crow's nest, and there are ten eggs in," shouted Dick from his lofty perch.
"Bring two of them down then. We will write on them where they were found. I wonder how the old birds get the young ones down to the water? They can't fly for a long time after being hatched, and they must take to the water soon, or they will die."
The question which Frank put has never been satisfactorily answered.