"I'm sorry to disappoint you," he said, "but I'm afraid you won't be able to go home for another week at least."
"What do you mean?" cried Elsie.
"It may be mean," said the rook, "but I can't help it. Your brother is going to shoot at us next week, and if we've got you up here he won't be able to—see?"
"Oh!" cried Elsie. "Then that was why you invited me up?"
"Of course it was," replied the rook. "You don't suppose it was for the pleasure of your society, do you?"
You can imagine Elsie's feelings when she realized how she had been trapped. She knew she would never have the courage to try to fly down by herself; and as for climbing—well, the very thought made her giddy! In despair she stood up, and looked over the side of the nest. Far, far down below she saw her brother coming out into the garden with his gun on his shoulder. If only she could make him hear!
"Jack!" she cried. "Jack!"
She watched her voice going down, down, down; but it only got about half the distance, and then faded away.
"Try again," said the rook, with a chuckle.
But Elsie saw that it was no good; so she just sat down on the side of the nest and began to cry.