82 tEmantu of ti^t JRvttn 



through the branches of the elm full upon 

 cockrobin, making his bright breast to 

 glow like coals in the twilight fire. 



"Zip," said the rubber. '' Hum-m-m," 

 said the stone, and it flew straight to the 

 mark, striking innocent, joyous cock- 

 robin fairly upon the side of the head, and 

 turning his rich song into a squeak of pain. 



He tottered for a moment on the limb, 

 then with a great effort flew away toward 

 the woods. 



Just at the edge of the woods his wings 

 collapsed and he fluttered feebly to the 

 ground, staining the grass with drops of 

 crimson, brighter than his gay breast. 

 Here he lay for hours, unmindful of the 

 cold of the May night, or anything save 

 an aching head, that hummed and 

 throbbed just as a boy's head does when 

 he falls and strikes it upon the door-step, 

 or is hit by his playmate's bat. But when 



