CHAPTER XI.
“Do you know what you are saying?” said Mrs. Polly, when she had recovered from her astonishment sufficiently to speak.
“I shouldn’t wonder if I did,” answered the sparrow carelessly.
“Have you considered well the danger?” asked Mrs. Polly gravely.
“Oh, bother the danger!” exclaimed the sparrow impatiently. “Suppose the old villain does come home and eat me up? Well, there’ll only be one sparrow less in the world.”
“But you’re a family man. What will become of your wife and children if you are killed?”
“My wife and children are pretty well used to taking care of themselves, and they’ll be as well off without me as with me. There’s a great advantage in the vagabond life I’ve led; and being of no use in the world you won’t be missed, and that’s a comfort;” and the sparrow laughed recklessly.
“Don’t talk so,” said Mrs. Polly; “you know you don’t mean it.”
“Perhaps I don’t,” said the sparrow carelessly.