Page:Story of the robins.djvu/193

177 their necks were wrung, and they were put in a bag together. The little redbreasts trembled for themselves, and were in great haste to take wing. "Stay," said the father, "Dicky has not yet made acquaintance with this friend of the feathered race." "No" said Dicky, "nor do I desire it; defend me and all who are dear to me from such friends as these!"

"Well," said the father, "learn from this instance never to form a hasty judgment, nor to put yourself in the power of strangers, who offer you favours you have no right to expect from their hands."

"Indeed, my love," said the mother bird, "I am very anxious to get home; I have not lately been used to be long absent from it, and every excursion I make endears it more to me." "Oh, the day is not half spent," replied her mate, "and I hope that for the gratification of the little ones you will consent to complete the ramble. Come, let us visit another part of the grove; I am acquainted with its inmost recesses." His mate acquiesced, and they proceeded on their journey.

At length the father hastily called out, "Turn this way! turn this way!" The whole party obeyed the word of command, and found the good effects of their obedience, for in an instant they saw a flash of fire, a thick smoke followed it, and