"Hush! hush!" he exclaimed, as they approached, "I have just cleared a bough from the grass, and see what's there!"
All curiosity, they went forward on tip-toe, and were directed to something lodged on the spreading branch of a young larch.
"A bird's nest!" said William.
"A bird's nest!" they all repeated. "But what is in it, I cannot tell."
"Look steadily," said the gardener, "and you will find out."
It was difficult to trace what it was; something all in a heap, brown naked skin; alive, as might be known by the heaving breathing. William putting his finger to touch them, immediately four wide mouths stretched open, with little tongues raised, and the opening of their throats extended to the utmost.
"Look at the little things," said William; "they thought their mother was come when I touched the branch, and they have opened their mouths to be ready to receive what she would put in.
"They are blind!" said William.
"Yes, they cannot have been hatched more than two days."
"Will they take what the mother gives them?" asked William.