Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/160

 I wish you would give it to me! It would make a lovely dress for that little china doll that hasn't got any legs and arms, that a little girl gave me one day."

Billy waited until the child was almost up to him, and then flew away, holding the red ribbon securely in his claw.

"I know you want to put it in your nest, Billy," continued the child; "but any rag would do just as well for you, and I never saw such a beautiful piece of ribbon in all my life."

But Billy flew on and lighted again on a stone in front of little Nancy.

The child tore off a piece of her dress, that was in such an untidy condition that the little piece of calico would not be missed, and approached the sparrow cautiously, saying,—

"I will give you this piece off my dress, Billy, to put in your nest, if you will give me that beautiful ribbon. This will do