28 A CHRONICLE OF THREE LITTLE KINGS. 



not a kingbird, old or young, could be seen. 

 The oak was deserted, tlie nest perfectly silent. 



"They have flown ! " I thought. 



But no : in a few minutes small heads began 

 to show above the battlements; and in ten sec- 

 onds after the three little kings were all in sight, 

 chirping and arranging their dress with fresh 

 vigor, after their nap. 



Not one of the young family tried his wings 

 till he was seventeen days old. The first one 

 flew perhaps fifteen feet, to another branch of 

 the native tree, caught at a cluster of leaves, 

 held on a few seconds, then scrambled to a twig 

 and stood up. The first flight accomplished! 

 After resting some minutes, he flew back home, 

 alighting more easily this time, and no doubt 

 considered himself a hero. Whatever his feel- 

 ings, it was evident that he could fly, and he 

 was so pleased with his success that he tried it 

 again and again, always keeping within ten or 

 fifteen feet of home. Soon his nest-fellows be- 

 gan to follow his example; and then it was in- 

 teresting to see them, now scattered about the 

 broad old tree, and then, in a little time, all 

 back in the nest, as if they had never left it. 

 After each excursion came a long rest, and every 

 time they^went out they flew with more free- 

 dom. Never were young birds so loath to leave 

 the nursery, and never were little folk so clan- 



