"Don't stop to look, then," said his mother. "Spread out your wings and fly away. Try, and you will find it very easy. Here, see how I do it." She perched for a moment on the nest by his side, and then slowly raising her wings, flew to the ground.
"I know I shall kill myself," muttered the cowardly bird.
"Let me fly," exclaimed Jack. "It looks easy when you do it."
"It is easy," said his father. "It is only to make up your mind, 'I can fly if I will,' spread out your wings, and away you go. Dick, as you are the oldest, the privilege of leaving the nest first is yours; but if you do not start before I chirp three times, Jack may take your place."
He then began, "Chirp, chirp, chirp;" but the foolish Dick did not move.
His father was much displeased, and gave him a blow with his beak, pushing him back into the nest.
"Come, my brave Jack," said his mother; "you shall show us how easily you can learn to fly."
Poor Jack's heart beat strangely, as he saw how far it was to the ground. His mother showed him how to move his wings, continually spreading them, flying a yard or two, and then returning.
"I am a bird, and must learn some time," chirped Jack; "so here goes—" And shutting his eyes, he resolutely let go his hold of the nest, and came down, rather awkwardly, to be sure, but still safely, upon the ground.
His mother instantly joined him. "Good Jack," said she, "I am proud of you;" and she repeatedly touched her beak to his.