Page:Story of the robins.djvu/50

36 the appearance which has so alarmed you today."

As soon as the father had given the worm to Robin, he was preparing to depart for another, but, to his surprise, all the rest of the nestlings begged him to stay, declaring they had rather go without their meal, on condition he would but remain at home and take care of them. "Stay at home and take care of you!" said he; "why, is that more necessary now than usual?" The mother then related the strange occurrence which had occasioned this request. "Nonsense!" said he; "a monster! great eyes! large mouth! long beak! I don't understand such stuff. Besides, as it did them no harm, why are they to be in such terror now it is gone?" "Don't be angry, dear father," said Pecksy, "for it was very frightful indeed." "Well," said he, "I will fly all around the orchard, and perhaps I may meet this monster." "Oh, it will eat you up! it will eat you up!" said Flapsy. "Never fear," said he; and away he flew.

The mother then again attempted to calm them, but all in vain; their fears were now redoubled for their father's safety; however, to their great joy, he soon returned. "Well," said he, "I have seen this monster." The little ones then clung to