“All right,” answered the sparrow cheerfully. “I’ll take advantage of the first opportunity;” and he flew off to the top of a tall pear-tree that commanded a view of the barn and yard. The parrot saw him sit quietly there for some time, his little head bobbing about in a very wide-awake manner, and then suddenly fly down and dart into the window above Major’s stall. She knew the desired opportunity had come, and both she and the canary felt great anxiety as to the result of such a bold undertaking.
Just then Tom and Posy came out and seated themselves on the steps of the piazza to eat their lunch.
“Can’t you tell me a story, Tom?” asked Posy; “I’ve told you ever so many nice ones.”
“Well,” said Tom, “let me see—”
“I’d rather hear about animals,” said Posy.
“Well then, I guess I’ll tell you about a hedgehog.”
“Oh dear!” said Posy, with a disappointed air; “well, go on, Tom.”
“Once there was a hedgehog,” began Tom, “who lived in a little hole in the woods.”
“What?” asked Posy quickly.
“You mustn’t interrupt me, Posy,” said Tom. “I said there was once a hedgehog who lived in a little hole in the woods.”