s. To see them growing
up in the interchange of mutual affection, and to hear them give
utterance to pure and noble sentiments, far exceed all the joys of my
lifetime."

One thought of Dick, as unlike the others, intruded itself upon her
mind; but she would not allow this to interrupt the delight she had
experienced.

Very similar were the thoughts and emotions of Mr. Robin, but mingled
with them was a plan he was forming for the benefit of his dear child.
His purpose was to attract to his nest the notice of some kind friend at
the cottage. If he could succeed in this, he was perfectly confident
that she could be liberated.

But now his attention must be given to Katy, who, in obedience to her
sister's wish, hopped to the side of the nest.

"O, dear!" she chirped; "it seems a very long way to the ground."

"It's just nothing at all," said Dick, spreading his wings and flying
away.

"I know just how you feel," added Jack; "but it is really safe, or our
parents would not allow us to try it;--and only think what delightful
sails we will have through the bracing air. Come, dear; now we'll
start."

"Steady, my little one," called out Mr. Robin. "Open your wings like
this. There, that is right; now let go the nest. One moment more, and
you'll be safe on the ground."

"Bravo! pretty bird, bravo!" shouted Fred, who had that moment opened
the outer door. "That was well done for a beginner. Come, hop up this
way, and I'll give you some crumbs."

"Chirp, chirp, chirp," answered little Katy, her bright eyes twinkling
with pleasure.

Fred darted into the house, and presently returned with a liberal supply
of food.

Mr. Robin caught up the largest piece just as Dick was hopping toward
it, and ascended with it to the nest.

"O, ho!" exclaimed Fred, "I suppose there are more birdies in the tree."

"Yes," said Annie, who had run to the door in her night dress, "you know
we counted four little mites of robins."

"O, don't let that greedy bird get all the best crumbs!" she added, as
Dick hopped from one piece of bread to another, catching them up as
fast as he could.

"Just see how pretty those act," said Fred, pointing to Jack and Katy.

"Yes, he stands back to give her a chance, but the greedy one cares for
none but himself."

CHAPTER VII.

MR. ROBIN'S APPEAL.

When the tender parents had finished their willing task of feeding
Molly, they hopped forward close to the very door of the cottage, and
seein