234 REASSURING THE TANAGER. 



and in every way showed a very mischievous 

 spirit. Meanwhile, all through the confusion 

 the goldfinch scolded furiously, flying around to 

 get a peck at him, and in every way challenging 

 him to fight. Occasionally, when he became too 

 troublesome, the robin turned and snapped his 

 beak at him, but did not choose to leave the 

 bigger game. 



When at last he tired of his fun, or was 

 driven away, the goldfinch flew to the side of 

 the cage where the frightened tanager had 

 taken refuge, though there was not even a strip 

 of tin to hold on, uttered his loud cheerful call 

 several times, plainly congratulating and re- 

 assuring him, and telling him all was safe ; and 

 here he clung with difficulty to the upright 

 wires, all the time slipping down, till the tan- 

 ager went to the upper regions again. Every 

 time the robin so much as flew past, the tireless 

 little fellow rushed out at him, scolding. When 

 finally the robin went into his own cage, and the 

 tanager returned to his usual place, the gold- 

 finch at once assumed his uncomfortable perch 

 and sang a loud sweet song, wriggling his body 

 from side to side, and expressing triumph and 

 delight in a remarkable way. 



The approach of spring made a change in 

 the tanager. He had not so completely given 

 up the world as it appeared. He began to 



