20 A CHRONICLE OF THREE LITTLE KINGS. 



sit so closely, her mate showed unusual interest 

 in the nest, and both of them often stood upon 

 the edge at the same time. That day was doubt- 

 less the birthday of the first little king. 



To be sure, the careful mother still sat on the 

 nest part of every day, but that she continued 

 to do, with ever-lengthening intervals, till every 

 infant had grown up and left the homestead for- 

 ever. 



All through the sitting the work of the head 

 of the family had been confined to encouraging 

 his partner with an early morning song and his 

 cheerful presence during the day, and to guard- 

 ing the nest while she sought her food ; but now 

 that her most fatiguing labor was over, his 

 began. At first he took entire charge of the 

 provision supply, while she kept her nurslings 

 warm and quiet, which every mother, little or 

 big, knows is of great importance. When the 

 young father arrived with food, which he did 

 frequently, his spouse stepped to the nearest 

 twig and looked on with interest, while he 

 leaned over and filled one little mouth, or at any 

 rate administered one significant poke which 

 must be thus interpreted. He did not stay long ; 

 indeed, he had not time, for this way of supply- 

 ing the needs of a family is slow business ; and 

 although there were but three mouths to fill, 

 three excursions and three hunts were required to 



