Mr. Mocking Bird was up in arms in an instant. How dared the impudent
creatures approach that tree where dwelt his wife and children! He
flew to the rescue.

Mrs. Mocking Bird, too, had grown so nervous that she, also, left her
young, and joined in the fray. Together Mr. and Mrs. Mocking Bird
dived and pecked at the cat and the dog in a most ferocious manner.

Beth rushed out, ready to assist the birds, if necessary, but her aid
was not needed.

Black puss and Fritz were so taken by surprise at the fierce onslaught
of the birds that they turned and sneaked away as fast as they could
go. Thus, through the power of love, the weaker triumphed over the
stronger. Later on the mocking birds also came out victors in another
contest, and against greater numbers, too. It happened in this wise:

As the days went by, Beth grew somewhat restless. She did not exactly
tire of Fritz, puss, and Arabella, but she longed for diversion. Then
one evening Mr. Davenport brought home a large coop of chickens, and
calling Beth to him, he said:

"You are to tend these, daughter, and hunt eggs every day."

"Oh you dear, good papa. I want to take one of the sweet things in my
arms."

Thereupon she tried to get a chicken, but somehow, in so doing, she
upset the coop. Away flurried the chickens in every direction. Beth