70 HE WAS BIDING HIS TIME. 



and though, no doubt, it was his first experi- 

 ence of warmth from a light, he drew as near 

 it as possible, and remained there perfectly 

 quiet until the sun warmed the room and it was 

 removed. Fear, as I said, he knew not, com- 

 ing freely upon the desk, or even upon my lap, 

 after apple or bread, or anything he fancied. 



It was plain to see that this bird's first week 

 with us was one of quiet study and observation. 

 Not a movement of bird or man escaped bis no- 

 tice. He wished to understand, to take meas- 

 ure of his neighbors, to be master of the situa- 

 tion. This was manifested not only by his 

 thoughtful manner and his wise and knowing 

 looks, but by his subsequent conduct. During 

 this period, also, he submitted to impositions 

 from all the birds, even the smallest, without 

 resentment. The wood-thrush easily drove him 

 away from the apple ; the little goldfinch chased 

 him from his perch. He appeared to be meek- 

 ness itself ; but he was biding his time, he was 

 making up his mind. 



The first time the mocking-bird's door was 

 opened he was not in the least surprised; no 

 doubt, seeing others at liberty, he had expected 

 it. At any rate, whatever his emotions, he in- 

 stantly ran out on the perch placed in his door- 

 way and surveyed his new world from this posi- 

 tion. He was in no panic, not even in haste. 



