Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/122

 for it was the last thing he saw before he went to sleep.

"What in the world has become of that ribbon?" he said aloud. "I am sure I put it on this side of the nest, where it couldn't possibly blow away;" and he pecked apart the lining of the nest and peeped everywhere in vain.

"It couldn't possibly have blown away, but I'll look everywhere;" and he carefully examined the ground under the nest and the trees and bushes,—everywhere where it was possible for a ribbon to lodge.

By this time the sun was up and Hannah had come downstairs. As soon as she opened the dining-room window to air the room, the sparrow flew straight to Mrs. Polly, about as anxious-looking a bird as you would wish to see.

"Here's a pretty fix," he began; "the ribbon's gone!"