254 THE BLUEBIRD. 



rate, and on going out saw the bluebirds in 

 possession of the box. The poor wrens were 

 in despair ; they wrung their hands and tore 

 their hair, after the wren fashion, but chiefly 

 did they rattle out their disgust and wrath 

 at the intruders. I have no doubt that if it 

 could have been interpreted, it would have 

 proven the rankest and most voluble Bil- 

 lingsgate ever uttered. For the wren is 

 saucy, and he has a tongue in his head that 

 can outwag any other tongue known to me. 



The bluebirds said nothing, but the male 

 kept an eye on Mr. Wren ; and when he 

 came too near, gave chase, driving him to 

 cover under the fence, or under a rubbish- 

 heap or other object, where the wren would 

 scold and rattle away, while his pursuer sat 

 on the fence or the pea-brush, waiting for 

 him to reappear. 



Days passed, and the usurpers prospered 

 and the outcasts were wretched ; but the lat- 

 ter lingered about, watching and abusing 

 their enemies, and hoping, no doubt, that 

 things would take a turn, as they presently 

 did. The outraged wrens were fully avenged. 

 The mother bluebird had laid her full com- 

 plement of eggs, and was beginning to set, 

 when one day, as her mate was perched 



