"How do you know?" persisted the rook. "Have you ever tried?"
Elsie shook her head.
"Don't be silly," she said. "I know very well I can't fly, so what's the good of trying?"
"That's exactly what our children always say," replied the rook scornfully. "And yet they fly right enough when we push them out of the nest."
He laughed a sort of hoarse, croaking chuckle.
"Of course, if you're afraid"—he added.
Elsie jumped up out of her chair indignantly.
"Afraid? Who's afraid?" she cried. "You're just saying that to annoy me!"
"No, I'm not," answered the rook. "Don't get your feathers ruffled. All you have to do is to copy me, and you'll fly like a bird."
"But I haven't got any wings," said Elsie.