THE FINCH 5 



the racket. Nevertheless, it had not been injured, perhaps 

 the cord liad not snapped back as siuUlenly as usual, or 

 the I'eet of the victim had been more resistant Its back 

 was chestnut-coloured, the top of its head and its bill 

 bluish drab ; it had bright eyes, black mustachios ; its 

 neck, breast and sides were of a fine wine colour, its runij) 

 of a dark olive shade ; it had besides a forked tail and 

 a white spot on each wing. 



« It is a finch from the Ardennes, » said my grand- 

 father. I knew it already, for having taken it by its 

 wings so as to set it free, it had bitten me to the blood. 

 My grandfather observed to me that its feet had not been 

 broken, one only being slightly scratched. When I saw 

 how lively and pretty it was, I thought 1 should like 

 to ])ut it into a case and tame it. 1 begged to be allowed 

 to take it home and 1 insisted so w(>ll that the per- 

 mission was granted. « Very well », said my grand- 

 father, shaking his head; « but you will surely never be 

 able to bring it up ; it is already too strong and too 

 wild ». 



Of course I did not believe him. being at that pre- 

 sumptions age when we have no doubts about any- 

 thing. I wrapped the finch up in mv handkercliiel 

 and as soon as we got home I |)la(ed it in a well 

 closed wicker basket until 1 could jirepare a cage for it 

 the next day. 



I passed half tiic night without i)eing al)h> to slccj). 



