The Sandpipers 63 



in a mighty grasp, but not ungently, and lifted 

 high into the air, while in wildest consternation 

 the old birds flew close around him. 



It was a terrible moment, but the little bird 

 was plucky, and something in the way he was 

 held told him that he was not going to be eaten. 

 He opened both eyes, and saw one of those 

 human anglers, without his rod. The great 

 animal handled him gently, stroked his plumage, 

 and looked him all over, and then put him softly 

 down beside his brothers and sisters, who were 

 still motionless but palpitating. He stood there 

 for a minute or two gazing at them, no doubt in 

 wonder and admiration, and then hastened away 

 towards the farmhouse under the hill. The little 

 birds began to move again. 



" Whisht, wheet, wheet," cried their mother ; 

 "it's not all over yet He wouldn't have gone 

 so fast if he hadn't meant to come back again. 

 Get into holes and corners, quick ! " 



" I don't mind if he does come back again," 

 said the eldest. " He didn't hurt me. His great 

 claw was warm and comfortable, and he stroked 

 my down the right way. I looked up and saw 



