, or make candy or pop corn. There was no
light in the darkness at night except the sun and moon and stars. There
were not even candles in those days, to say nothing of gas lamps or
electric lights. It is strange to think of such a world where even the
grown folks, like the children and the birds, had to go to bed at dusk,
because there was nothing else to do.

But the little birds, who lived nearer heaven than men, knew of the fire
in the sun, and knew also what a fine thing it would be for the tribes
without feathers if they could have some of the magic element.

One day the birds held a solemn meeting, when it was decided that men
must have fire. Then some one must fly up to the sun and bring a
firebrand thence. Who would undertake this dangerous errand? Already by
sad experience the Kingfisher had felt the force of the sun's heat,
while the Eagle and the Wren, in the famous flight which they had taken
together, had learned the same thing. The assembly of birds looked at
one another, and there was a silence.

"I dare not go," said the Kingfisher, trembling at the idea; "I have
been up there once, and the warning I received was enough to last me for
some time."

"I cannot go," said the Peacock, "for my plumage is too precious to
risk."

"I ought not to go," said the Lark, "for the heat might injure my pretty
voice."

"I must not go," said the Stork, "for I have promised to bring a baby to
the King's palace this evening."

"I cannot go," said the Dove, "for I have a nestful of little ones who
depend upon me for food."

"Nor I," said the Sparrow, "for I am afraid." "Nor I!" "Nor I!" "Nor I!"
echoed the other birds.

"I _will_ not go," croaked the Owl, "for I simply do not wish to."

Then up spoke the little Wren, who had been keeping in the background
of late, because he was despised for his attempt to deceive the birds
into electing him their king.

"I will go," said the Wren. "I will go and bring fire to men. I am of
little use here. No one loves me. Every one despises me because of the
trick which I played the Eagle, our King. No one will care if I am
injured in the attempt. I will go and try."

"Bravely spoken, little friend," said the Eagle kindly. "I myself would
go but that I am the King, and kings must not risk the lives upon which
hangs the welfare of their people. Go you, little Wren, and if you are
successful you will win back the respect of your brothers which you have
forfeited."

The brav