Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/106

 "The sun has gone down and it's time to go to bed," called out the little bright-eyed sparrow after the child and the sparrow had talked together in this manner for some time. "I always like to have the house quiet by sundown."

"Why, it's only just the edge of the evening," answered the sparrow; "I guess I'll call 'round on some of my old friends. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"I know your tricks," said his little wife; "you'll come home by daybreak, and then you'll want to sleep till noon. 'The early bird catches the worm,' my mother used to say; and true enough it is. It's too bad to have you go off so soon, when I was so glad to have you back again! I've lots of things to tell you;" and the bright-eyed sparrow's eyes filled with tears of disappointment.

"Well, don't cry, and I'll stay at home," said the sparrow, as he flew up to the nest; and nestling close together they talked