“I also found a piece of bamboo netting woven into the nest. I managed to climb above and snap a photograph of the nest and dead bird but I regret to say that it was a failure. The film was returned with nothing but blurs on it, so I think I made a mistake in focussing properly.”
A discussion ensued over the possible cause of the death of the osprey and the suggestion of accident was decided to be the plausible one.
Uncle Tom made a report on the presence of porcupines in his apple-orchard and asked the help of some brave hunter to help exterminate them. Billy instantly volunteered and was accepted, providing he came alone. Mr. Charlton knew that Billy was perfectly trustworthy with firearms, but accidents can easily happen when a number of boys are taken along.
“Oh Chief! I have an offer to lay before the parents and guardians here present. I will train the boys in target-shooting and offer a prize to that one who excels at a given time,” now added Uncle Tom.
“How, How!” echoed around the Council Ring at this news.
The vote was unanimous on the part of the younger faction so Fred put it to a motion.
“Oh Chief! I move that a committee be formed of parents to deliberate over this plan,” said Mrs. Remington.
“Second the motion!” added Mrs. Farwell.
On the final vote the motion was carried that the mothers form a committee to report later—not necessarily to the Council but to Uncle Tom or Fred.
The time devoted to the granting of honours now arrived and Elizabeth sprang to her feet.