Page:Story of the robins.djvu/87

Rh upon the edge of the nest. Robin and Pecksy sprang up in an instant, but Dicky and Flapsy, being timorous, were not so expeditious.

The hearts of the parents felt great delight at the view they now had of their young family, which appeared to be strong, vigorous, and lively, and, in a word, endowed with every gift of nature requisite to their success in the world.

"Now," said the father, "stretch your wings, Robin, and flutter them a little in this manner" (showing him the way), "and be sure to observe my directions exactly. Very well," said he: "do not attempt to fly yet, for here is neither air nor space enough for that purpose. Walk gently after me to the wall; then follow me to the tree that stands close to it, and hop on from branch to branch as you will see me do: then rest yourself; and as soon as you see me fly away, spread your wings, and exert all the strength you have to follow me." Robin acquitted himself to admiration, and alighted very safely on the ground. "Now stand still," said the father, "till the rest join us." Then going back, he called upon Dicky to do the same as his brother had done; but Dicky was very fearful of fluttering his wings, for he was