“Nothing but a stupid old robin. How provoking!” cried Kate, sitting down to rest.
“I shan’t touch it; I found one once, and took care of it, and the ungrateful thing flew away the minute it was well,” said Bessy, creeping under Kate’s shawl, and putting her hands under her chin to warm them.
“Poor little birdie! How pitiful he looks, and how glad he must be to see some one coming to help him! I’ll take him up gently, and carry him home to mother. Don’t be frightened, dear; I’m your friend.” And Tilly knelt down in the snow, stretching her hand to the bird with the tenderest pity in her face.
Kate and Bessy laughed.
“Don’t stop for that thing; it’s getting late and cold. Let’s go on, and look for the purse,” they said, moving away.
“You wouldn’t leave it to die!” cried Tilly. “I’d rather have the bird than the money; so I shan’t look any more. The purse wouldn’t be mine, and I should only be tempted to keep it; but this poor thing will thank and love me, and I’m so glad I came in time!” Gently lifting the bird, Tilly felt its tiny cold claws cling to her hand, and saw its dim eyes brighten as it nestled down with a grateful chirp.
THE FAIRY BIRD.
“Now I’ve got a Christmas present, after all,” she said, smiling, as they walked [!-- Illustration - THE FAIRY BIRD --] on. “I always wanted a bird, and this one will be such a pretty pet for me!”
“He’ll fly away the first chance he gets, and die, anyhow; so you’d better not waste your time over him,” said Bessy.