ness. He spread his old cloak for me by the 

 side of the fire; he scratched me behind the 

 ears; he tended my kittens and made my life 

 comfortable." 



% Last of all the bull-finch spoke in a high 

 clear voice : 



% "He took pleasure in my singing. He 

 praised my feathers, and gave me seeds and 

 water. The door of my cage stood always 

 open and I could flit where I willed. He 

 protected and befriended me, as he did all 

 those who suffered and had need." 

 <% Now Sylvester was ashamed to hear him- 

 self thus praised beyond what he thought his 

 merit, and he was about to protest and to set 

 matters right, when the Voice from within 

 spoke again. 



4 "Admit Sylvester," it said, "and let these 

 who have spoken for him enter with him." 

 % At this the great gate flew back and a loud 

 sound of bells broke forth. But just as this 

 company of friends was about to pass in the 



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