"Do they likewise sing?" he again asked.
"Not much," answered the girl; "only a few notes. But do you know that birds and animals have a language of their own?" And she began to tell the wondering boy a great many things which she had heard her grandfather repeat.
"I should like to be able to know also what they say," answered Christlieb.
"You must just pay great attention," said the little Malchen, "and you can learn it yourself."
"Are all birds here to be killed?" asked Christlieb.
"No; not these ones," replied Malchen. "They are sold alive. Only we cannot keep them long, for then their meat costs more than they are worth."
"I should like very much to have a goldfinch," said Christlieb, "or a thrush."
"Oh, no!" cried the little girl; "a starling would be much nicer; it is such a droll bird, and can learn to speak like a man."
"Is that true?" asked Christlieb doubtingly.
"Quite true; only his tongue must be loosened," replied Malchen.