Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/148

 "Yes, I understand that it wouldn't make much difference to the barn-cat whether she ate me or Graywhisker; on the whole, I'm inclined to think she'd give me the preference. No, I thank you, I'd rather meet Graywhisker in the hole than have the barn-cat watch the entrance while I'm in."

"Well, I don't know but that you're right," answered Mrs. Polly; "then we'll leave it this way. You wait for an opportunity when Graywhisker is away and the barn-cat too, and then you slip in and get the ribbon. Major will point out his hole to you."

"All right," answered the sparrow cheerfully. "I'll take advantage of the first opportunity;" and he flew off to the top of a tall pear-tree that commanded a view of the barn and yard. The parrot saw him sit quietly there for some time, his little head bobbing about in a very wide-awake manner, and then suddenly fly down and