of course, he might have told them all, and then they could have gathered corn from the broken ground around, but he didn't want to do that. instead, he said, "do you see that terrible great creature with a stick in his hand? he is here just to drive us away, but he dares not touch me. he knows i would beat him if he did." then he flew down, and ate corn close beside the figure, while the other crows stood back and cawed with wonder.