"Ever seen a parrot?"
"You're not a parrot," objected Elsie.
"Never said I was," replied the rook. "But you seem interested in us," he observed, "judging from the way you were staring just now."
"I beg your pardon," said Elsie, blushing, for she had been properly brought up, and knew that it was rude to stare.
"Don't mention it," said the rook. "I assure you we don't mind in the least. Wouldn't you like to come up and have a look at the nests?"
"Very much," answered Elsie; "but how can I? I can't climb the trees."
"If it comes to that," replied the rook, "neither can I."
"But you can fly," objected Elsie.
"So can you, I suppose," said the rook.
"No, I can't," said Elsie.