CHAPTER XII.
The sparrow flew at once to acquaint Mrs. Polly and the canary with the result of his expedition. They were both greatly relieved to see him safely back, and rejoiced at his success. Then after a short rest and a worm or two for lunch, he flew merrily off to find little Nancy, carrying the piece of red ribbon safely in his claw.
It was some time before he succeeded in finding her, with her box of matches on her arm, going about from house to house.
He lighted on a fence beside her, and flaunted the red ribbon with the gold figures on it in a very enticing manner.
“Why, Billy,” exclaimed the child, “how did you get here? What a beautiful ribbon! I wish you would give it to me! It would make a lovely dress for that little china doll that hasn’t got any legs and arms, that a little girl gave me one day.”
Billy waited until the child was almost up to him, and then flew away, holding the red ribbon securely in his claw.
“I know you want to put it in your nest, Billy,” continued the child; “but any rag would do just as well for you, and I never saw such a beautiful piece of ribbon in all my life.”
But Billy flew on and lighted again on a stone in front of little Nancy.
The child tore off a piece of her dress, that was in such an untidy condition that the little piece of calico would not be missed, and approached the sparrow cautiously, saying,—