Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/62

 and many of them broken, and he had a very independent air that was a great contrast to the refined manner of the well-kept canary.

"Who are you, pray?" asked Mrs. Polly, eying the new-comer curiously.

"Can't you see?" answered the sparrow in a hoarse voice.

"It's very evident you're a tramp," said Mrs. Polly. "What do you want here?"

"I didn't know you'd got a lease of the place, or I wouldn't have come," answered the sparrow pertly.

"Come now, keep a civil tongue in your head," said Mrs. Polly. "You'll find it to your advantage. Where do you live?"

"Wherever I can. Sometimes in one place, sometimes in another."

"That looks bad," said Mrs. Polly gravely. "Did you ever hear the proverb that 'rolling stones gather no moss'?"