And so these two naughty birds made everybody uncomfortable, and taught those who had been contented before to despise their own houses and lonely life; till at last, instead of sweet songs, there was nothing but complaints and noises; and, loudest of all, the sharp harsh cries of Mr. and Mrs. Jay were heard from the tree.
One day, the Squire and his lady, with their children, came past: “What disagreeable noise is that? Oh, I see now, it is the Jays in that oak—what pretty birds!” “Very pretty, my dear,” said her husband, “but insufferably noisy: we must get rid of them.” And before night a gun went bang! and again bang! and down went Mr. Jay and Mrs. Jay, with all their fine feathers. And thus was peace restored to the Old Oak.
About this time, Jerry, who was a great favourite with everybody, took to himself a nice little wife; and, in honour of the event, Mr. and Mrs. Cozie Cowl determined to give a grand tea party. It was difficult to fix upon a good hour, because, if it was during the daylight, Cozie Cowl would be sure to fall asleep, and if it was at night, no one else would be awake. So Mrs. Cozie, like a wise bird as she was, fixed on the twilight hour, when the moon would rise soon and serve them for a lamp.
