Page:Story of the robins.djvu/17

 Rh informed by a chaffinch that there was no kind of danger in picking it up.

"This is a lucky discovery indeed for us," replied her mate; " for this great increase of family renders it prudent to make use of every means for supplying our necessities. I myself must take a larger circuit, for some insects that are proper for the nestlings cannot be found in all places; however, I will bear you company whenever it is in my power."

The little ones now began to be hungry, and opened their gaping mouths for food; on which their kind father instantly flew forth to find it for them, and in turns supplied them all, as well as his beloved mate. This was a hard day's work, and when evening came on he was glad to take repose, and turning his head under his wing, he soon fell asleep; his mate soon followed his example. The four little ones had before fallen into a gentle slumber, and perfect quietness for some hours reigned in the nest.

The next morning they were awakened at the dawn of day by the song of a skylark, which had a nest near the orchard; and as the young redbreasts were impatient for food, their father cheerfully prepared himself to renew his toil, requesting his mate to accompany him to the place she had mentioned. "That I will do," replied she, "but it is too early yet;