Jack was almost frightened at the fierceness of the little bird, but after a while he reached up his hand and took down the cap. You may well believe that he was greatly amused to find that the little wren, with its companion, had begun to build a nest in it. They had already packed it more than half full of sticks, straws, and dried grass.
At first, Jack was sorry that he had robbed the little birds of their home; but after a while, he got a little box and made a hole large enough for the wrens to go in and out, and set it upon the stake where the cap had been. For two or three days the wrens were very shy, and would not go near the box. But at last, one of them flew to the trellis and peered all about to see if there was no danger near. In a little while, he hitched along towards the box, making a queer noise all the time. By and by, he ventured to alight upon the box, and finally he popped his head into the hole. Then he looked all around again very cautiously, and at last in he went. Pretty soon he came out again, and stationed himself upon the top of the box, and began to sing with all his might. If you will excuse me, I will try to put his song into words:
Hi diddle ho diddle,
Pop diddle dee,—
Here’s the prettiest house
You ever did see.
Come hither, come hither,
My own pretty friend,
Here’s a home for us both,—