CHAPTER VI.
THE NEST.
One clear and cold morning in winter, as Bessie was passing along the road that led by Nelly's home, she heard Martin call her from the barn where he was at work. He saw her passing and beckoned to her to come to him. Bessie had the singular habit which most children possess of stopping to ask why she was summoned, when at the same time she fully intended to answer the call in person. So she stood still, and in a loud voice cried,
"Mar-TIN, what is it? What do you want of me?"
"Come and see!" replied Martin, "I've something nice to show you!" and then he resumed his place at the hay-cutting machine, at which he had been busy when he espied her. He was mincing the hay for the cattle to eat.
Bessie still stood irresolute. She meant to come, but she desired her curiosity to be gratified before she did so.
"Mar-TIN?"
"Well?"