CHAPTER XXXII 

 CHORUS BY THE BIRDS 



Swallows were perching on the same telegraph 

 wires where they had met in May. Now it was Septem- 

 ber. There were Swallows of all kinds, both old and 

 young, with whom a great many other birds stopped 

 for a little chat. 



"In a few weeks we must be off — how have you 

 enjoyed the summer?" asked the Bank Swallow of his 

 sharp-tailed brother from the barn. 



" Excellently well ! Times have changed for the 

 better ; not a single cat or rat has been seen in my 

 hayloft all the season, and the window has been always 

 open." 



" So you have changed your mind about House 

 People ? " said the Bank Swallow slyly. 



"Yes — that is, about some House People." 



" I wish so many of the Bird Brotherhood did not 

 leave in the winter ; it makes me quite sad," murnuired 

 the Bluebird. 



" Yes. Stay-at-homes, like yourself and Robins and 

 Finches, must feel very lonely without us," said Barne}' 

 kindly; "but I think likely these House People will 

 scatter food about, so that at least you will not be 

 hungry — that is, unless they migrate too, as the Cat- 

 bird says they sometimes do." 

 2 b 417 



