276 Bird -Lore 



Iwilif^lU fell, and, if in need of help after their first view of the world, perhaps 

 they would come home to me. 



And so the last little meal of which they partook from my hands was a very 

 ceremonial affair. Often I paused for a loving caress and told them of the big 

 strange world they would soon enter and how very much I should miss them. 

 Little Dick seemed to sense what I said, and I fancied looked alert and eager 

 for the adventure awaiting him. His little companion seemed thoughtful, 

 anticipating imaginary troubles ahead. Did she shudder at the contact with 

 the world? Did she long to stay with me? Was she thinking this little home 

 good enough for her? 



At last, the impressive meal over, I partially enclosed them in my hands 

 and went to the rose-garden — down to the very shrubs where the mother had 

 last sought sweets. With joy I noted them as perfect, as beautiful as she was. 

 Then musing, "Farewell, little friends, you have a mission in life as well as I; 

 my usefulness to you is past," I tossed them lightly to the pergola, and simply 

 said, "Go!" 



Scarcely realizing their new strange freedom they nestled for a moment 

 on the sweet climber, then, with a wild humming sound as he dashed to the 

 right and the left to get his bearings, Dick disappeared. I never saw him again. 

 Then, suddenly, the little female followed, and when she too was gone, I 

 waited anxiously an hour or more for their return. Never had I listened more 

 intently to the sounds of the air, but there was no message for me. 



Feeding-time came and went; the second one came — and, oh joy! with it 

 came the call ! Quickly I ran into the yard and found that the little one had 

 come home. Perched on the clothes-line, pitifully crying, I found her. And 

 when I raised my open hands, she fairly fell into them and nestled contentedly 

 once again. How lovingly I held her ! And what a big feast I gave her ! Then, 

 reluctantly, but hopefully, I again opened my hands to the heavens, and this 

 time she dashed happily away to the mysteries of her own little world. 



