Fletcher Pratt

“ They know too much for us.”
“Right,” declared Beeville. “The usual methods of dealing with animals won't work this time. They are all based on the fact that animals are creatures of habit instead of intelligence, and unless I am much wrong, these birds are intelligent and have some bigger intelligence backing them.”
“You mean they'll try to bomb us out of here?” ”

“ The birds would bomb our gun to blazes after they had a dose or two from it. They're not so slow themselves you know. How about some of the forts? Aren't there some big ones around New York?”
McAllister nodded. “There's Hancock. We could get a ship through.”
“Say!” Gloria leaped suddenly to her feet. “While we're about it, can't we get a warship—a battleship or something? Those babies would have a hot time trying to bomb one of Uncle Sam's battleships apart and there's all kinds of anti-aircraft guns on them.”
“There's a destroyer in the Hudson,” said someone. ”

“ The voice ceased with a snap, and the four in the control room of the destroyer looked at each other.
“I'm glad he came around,” remarked Ben. “This destroyer is getting shopworn. Besides with a good warship on hand we'll be able to give those birds what they're looking for. I hope he's got some airplanes.”
“And somebody to fly them,” continued Murray. “What'll we do if he has—go back and give them hell?”
“If we can. Apparently he doesn't like the birds any too well himself. ”

“ We'll keep along the coast toward Cape May. Can you meet us?”
A chuckle was audible from the radiophone. “I think we can manage it. Are there any of the big birds about in your part of the world? They have been bothering us all summer.” ”