mate came with his red tail wagging, bringing an insect in his beak.

Now Jack could see several little red starts poking out their heads from
under their mother's wings, all looking as if they wanted to be fed
first.

"This is the third year that these red starts have built their nest in
that hole," said Charley. "Before that, it seemed as if a pair of
sparrows had looked upon the hole as belonging to them, for when the
red starts first came there were a good many fights between them and the
sparrows.

"One day when the hen red start was sitting, two sparrows made a dead
set at her; and although she behaved in a very plucky manner, she was
getting the worst of it. She then uttered a peculiar cry, and her mate
came to her help directly; and between them they drove off the sparrows.

"That seemed to be the final battle, for there were only a few trifling
skirmishes after that, and the red starts have considered that hole
their own private property ever since."

Charley next showed Jack his collection of butterflies, moths, and
beetles; and after the boys had finished looking at these beautiful and
curious creatures, it was time for tea, so they went downstairs.

When they had finished tea, Charley said, "We will go out of doors and
see our old raven, Grip."

There were all sorts of odd places outside of this rambling old house
which Charley said "just suited him."