greatly delighted with his new acquaintance, and from this
time never failed to set his window open every morning and scatter some
crumbs about the room, which the bird perceiving, hopped fearlessly in,
and regaled himself under the protection of his benefactor. By degrees
the intimacy increased so much that little robin would alight on Tommy's
shoulder and whistle his notes in that situation, or eat out of his
hand--all which gave Tommy so much satisfaction that he would frequently
call Mr Barlow and Harry to be witness of his favourite's caresses; nor
did he ever eat his own meals without reserving a part for his little
friend.

It however happened that one day Tommy went upstairs after dinner,
intending to feed his bird as usual, but as soon as he opened the door
of his chamber he discovered a sight that pierced him to the very heart.
His little friend and innocent companion lay dead upon the floor, and
torn in pieces; and a large cat, taking that opportunity to escape, soon
directed his suspicions towards the murderer. Tommy instantly ran down
with tears in his eyes to relate the unfortunate death of his favourite
to Mr Barlow, and to demand vengeance against the wicked cat that had
occasioned it. Mr Barlow heard him with great compassion, but asked what
punishment he wished to inflict upon the cat?

_Tommy._--Oh sir! nothing can be too bad for that cruel animal. I would
have her killed as she killed the poor bird.

_Mr Barlow._--But do you imagine that she did it out of any particular
malice to your bird, or merely because she was hungry, and accustomed to
catch her prey in that manner?

Tommy considered some time, but at last he owned that he did not suspect
the cat of having any particular spite against his bird, and therefore
he supposed she had been impelled by hunger.

_Mr Barlow._--Have you never observed that it was the property of that
species to prey upon mice and other little animals?

_Tommy._--Yes, sir, very often.

_Mr Barlow._--And have you ever corrected her for so doing, or attempted
to teach her other habits?

_Tommy._--I cannot say I have. Indeed I have seen little Harry, when she
had caught a mouse and was tormenting it, take it from her and give it
liberty; but I have never meddled with her myself.

_Mr Barlow._--Are you not then more to be blamed than the cat herself?
You have observed that it was common to the whole species to destroy
mice and little birds, whenever they could surpri