"I am not afraid, but I cannot get away from the nest."
"Why not?" asked Mrs. Robin, in surprise. "Why not?" repeated Jack and Katy.
"Because my foot is fastened to the bottom of it," replied poor Molly, in a mournful tone.
Her mother hopped to her side, and endeavored to remove a long piece of worsted thread, which was woven into the nest, and was now firmly twisted about Molly's leg.
"How long has this been done?" she asked, in an anxious tone.
"I first discovered it last night," said the patient bird. "Every time I tried to stir, it bound me firmer than before. I have endeavered[**endeavoured?] to remove it with my beak, but I think I have only made it worse. Now I fear I can never learn to fly."
"Dear Molly," said Jack, pressing his neck to hers.
"I will stay in the nest with you," said the tender-hearted Katy.
Mrs. Robin said nothing, but after flying to the top of the tree to see whether her husband was in sight, she began to pull at the string; but every motion made poor Molly utter a cry of pain.
"I must be content to remain quietly in the nest," she faltered, in a touching tone of sadness.