PIP AND POP.

Pip.—Well, cousin Pop, how goes the world with you? Do you find any worms?

Pop.—Not a sign of one! What is to become of the race of sparrows, I don't know. The spring is late and chilly. There is still frost in the ground.

Pip.—Not even a fly have I caught this blessed day.

Pop.—Just my luck, friend Pop! If it weren't for the crumbs a little girl throws out for me every day, I should starve.

Pip.—I should like to know that little girl. Where does she live?

Pop.—She is at school now. But come with me about two o'clock, and you shall be fed.

Pip.—Thank you, cousin. I'll do as much for you one of these days. I have heard of a little girl in Ohio, who feeds the birds so well, that they follow her into the house, light on her head, and play with her.

Pop.—A thought strikes me, cousin. The little girl who feeds me is just as good as the Ohio girl; but I am not as good as the Ohio birds. I have not trusted her as I ought to. I have not lighted on her head. I have not followed her into the house.

Pip.—That was a fault, my dear Pop. I do not think she will put us in a cage. I think she will be good to us.

Pop.—Then I'll tell you what we'll do. After she has had her dinner, we'll fly in at the window, and light on the table.

Pip.—A good idea! I agree to it. Now, don't you be afraid, Pop, and back out.

Pop.—That I won't. First we'll go and have a good wash in the brook, so that our feathers shall be all clean.

Pip.—Another good idea! Hunger sharpens your wits, cousin.

Pop.—It sharpens my appetite: I know that.

Pip.—Come on, then! Let us see who will fly the faster to the brook. [They fly off.]

UNCLE CHARLES