But some of the older and
wiser of his listeners shook their heads.
"Who is there that could take Mr. Crow's place?" a voice called.
At that question the stranger coughed slightly and said:
"Of course, I wouldn't suggest any one specially, being a newcomer here
myself. And if the position were offered to me, I don't know that I could
accept it, though I _have_ had so much experience."
The young fellows on the limb with Mr. Crow at once set up a great
cawing.
"We want you!" they chanted. Old Mr. Crow might have been a scarecrow,
for all the attention they paid to him. And he did not dare open his
mouth. Many others took up the cry. And a great hub-bub arose--a beating
of wings, and flying up and down, and jostling. Some of the younger ones
squawked like chickens; others pretended to cry like children. But most
of the company cawed in their loudest tones, until the whole valley rang
with the uproar.
Then one of old Mr. Crow's best friends spoke up and said:
"It's plain that a good many people want _you_ for a leader, stranger."
"Then I'd be very happy to act as such," the bold fellow replied. "And
I'll begin at once."
But the elderly person who had just spoken said that there was no hurry
and that the stranger ought first to be put to a test.
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