108 



CITIZEN BIRD 



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skimming close to the water, which sang a little song 

 to itself as it ran along. 



" What do you think those birds are doing, Rap," 

 said Nat ; ''• looking at themselves in the water or play- 

 ing tag ? " 



" They are Barn Swallows, who catch flies and little 

 gnats and things close down over the water. Hear 



them talking and laugh- 

 ing ! " But the Swal- 

 lows really seemed to be 

 playing- some 



5'>'4^^^" as they cir- 

 I ".^/^-//^a^ Q\Q^{ about, every 



now and then 

 turning sharply 

 and giving lit- 

 1 1 e rippling 

 cries. 

 The Doctor halted 

 under a beech tree 

 that spread its branches 

 over a great mossy circle, 

 seatinsf himself on an old 

 loof that had been washed 

 down the river and lay on the ground. For a minute 

 the Veeries were silent; then from the tree over his 

 head one sang a short tune — two sentences in a high 

 key, then two a little lower and softer, like an echo. 



'' It is different from any other bird-song," said Olive, 

 " and every spring when it comes it seems as lovely as 

 the first time I lieard it." 



Vbery. 



