y that always had entertained
the children on their numerous visits, failed to interest her now.
Mamsie would be worrying, she knew; and besides, the sight of so many
birds eating their suppers out of generously full seed-cups, only filled
her heart with remorse as she thought of poor Cherry and his empty one.

So she put down her ten cents silently on the counter, and took up the
little package of seed, and went out.

But what a change! The cloud that had seemed but a cloud when she went
in, was now fast descending in big ominous sprinkles that told of a
heavy shower to follow. Quick and fast they came, making everybody fly
to the nearest shelter.

"I don't care," said Polly to herself, holding fast her little package.
"I'll run and get in the car--then I'll be all right."

So she went on with nimble footsteps, dodging the crowd, and soon came
to the corner. A car was just in sight--that was fine! Polly put her
hand in her pocket for her purse, to have it all ready--but as quickly
drew it out again and stared wildly at the car, which she allowed to
pass by. Her pocket was empty!

"Oh, dear," she said to herself, as a sudden gust of wind blew around
the corner, and warned her to move on, "now what shall I do! Well, I
must hurry. Nothing for it but to run now!"

And secretly glad at the chance for a good hearty run along the hard
pavements, a thing she had been longing to do ever since she came to the
city, Polly gathered her bundle of seed up under her arm, and set out
for a jolly race. She was enjoying it hugely, when--a sudden turn of the
corner brought her up against a gentleman, who, having his umbrella down
to protect his face, hadn't seen her till it was too late.

Polly never could tell how it was done; but the first thing she knew she
was being helped up from the wet, slippery pavement by a kind hand; and
a gentleman's voice said in the deepest concern:

"I beg your pardon; it was extremely careless in me."

"It's no matter," said Polly, hopping up with a little laugh, and
straightening her hat. "Only--" and she began to look for her parcel
that had been sent spinning.

"What is it?" said the gentleman, bending down and beginning to explore,
too, in the darkness.

"My bundle," began Polly. "Oh, dear!"

No need to ask for it now! There lay the paper wet and torn, down at
their feet. The seed lay all over the pavement, scattered far and wide
even out to the puddles in the street. And not a cent of mo