22 A CHRONICLE OF THREE LITTLE KLNGS. 



completely, or rested upon the edge for several 

 minutes. There was always a marked differ- 

 ence in the conduct of the pair. 



Six days the kingbird babies were unseen 

 from below ; but on the seventh day of their life 

 two downy gray caps were lifted above the edge 

 of the dwelling, accompanied by two small yel- 

 low beaks, half open for what goods the gods 

 might provide. After that event, whenever the 

 tender mother sat on her nest, two — and later 

 three — little heads showed plainly against her 

 satiny white breast, as if they were resting there, 

 making a lovely picture of motherhood. 



Not for many days lasted the open -mouth baby 

 stage in these rapidly developing youngsters. 

 Very soon they weije pert and wide awake, look- 

 ing upon the green world about them with calm 

 eyes, and opening mouths only when food was to 

 be expected. Mouthfuls, too, were no longer of • 

 the minute order; they were large enough for 

 the parents themselves, and of course plain to 

 be seen. Sometimes, indeed, as in the case of a 

 big dragon-fly, the father was obliged to hold 

 on, while the young hopeful pulled off piece 

 after piece, until it was small enough for him to 

 manage ; occasionally, too, when the morsel was 

 particularly hard, the little king passed it back 

 to the giver, who stood waiting, and received 

 it again when it had been apparently crushed 



