doorstep, arched her neck, and clucked, asking as plainly as she knew
how for a piece of doughnut. But Willie was too busy even to look at
her.

At last Biddy became impatient. As no notice was taken of her civil
request, she made up her mind to take, without further asking, what
Willie did not seem inclined to give. She was a little afraid to do it;
but her chickens were teasing for more food, and she was determined to
get enough for them.

So she stepped up beside Willie, snatched the doughnut out of his hand,
and ran away with it as fast as she could. Her chickens ran after her,
screaming for the fine feast which their mother had stolen for them.

And there sat Willie on the doorstep, his eyes bigger and bluer than
ever, amazed to find himself robbed in this way by a respectable looking
old hen. He did not know what to do, and was half inclined to cry.

But, when little children are in trouble, there is always one thing they
can do: they can go to their mamma, and ask her help. Willie thought of
this, and trotted off with a very sober face to tell his mamma this
wonderful story of the hen who helped herself.

L.R.

[Illustration]