Page:Story of the robins.djvu/109

Rh The little nestlings, delighted to hear their dear brother was safe and convinced of his error expressed great joy and satisfaction, and entreated their father to let them descend again and keep him company. To this he would by no means consent, because, as he told them, the fatigue would be too great, and it was proper that Robin should feel a little longer the consequences of his presumption. "To-morrow," said he, "you shall pay him a visit, but to-day he shall be by himself." On this they dropped their request, knowing that their parent was the best judge of what was proper to be done, and not doubting but that his affection would lead him to do everything that was conducive to the real happiness of his family; but yet they could not tell how to be happy without Robin and were continually perking up their little heads, fancying they heard his cries. Both their father and mother frequently took a peep at him. and had the satisfaction of seeing him very safe by their friend Joe the gardener, though the honest fellow did not know of his own guardianship, and continued his work without perceiving the little cripple who hopped and shuffled about, pecking here and there whatever he could meet.

When he had been for some time by himself, his