have heard of a little girl in Ohio, who feeds the birds so well, that
they follow her into the house, light on her head, and play with her.

_Pop_.--A thought strikes me, cousin. The little girl who feeds me is
just as good as the Ohio girl; but I am not as good as the Ohio birds. I
have not trusted her as I ought to. I have not lighted on her head. I
have not followed her into the house.

_Pip_.--That was a fault, my dear Pop. I do not think she will put us in
a cage. I think she will be good to us.

_Pop_.--Then I'll tell you what we'll do. After she has had her dinner,
we'll fly in at the window, and light on the table.

_Pip_.--A good idea! I agree to it. Now, don't you be afraid, Pop, and
back out.

_Pop_.--That I won't. First we'll go and have a good wash in the brook,
so that our feathers shall be all clean.

_Pip_.--Another good idea! Hunger sharpens your wits, cousin.

_Pop_.--It sharpens my appetite: I know that.

_Pip_.--Come on, then! Let us see who will fly the faster to the brook.
[_They fly off_.]

UNCLE CHARLES

[Illustration: Birds Drinking]