22 A CHEON1CLE OF THEEE LITTLE KINGS. 



completely, or rested upon the edge for several 

 minutes. There was always a marked differ- 

 ence in the conduct of the pair. 



Six days the kingbird babies were unseen 

 from below ; but on the seventh day of their life 

 two downy gray caps were lifted above the edge 

 of the dwelling, accompanied by two small yel- 

 low beaks, half open for what goods the gods 

 might provide. After that event, whenever the 

 tender mother sat on her nest, two and later 

 three little heads showed plainly against her 

 satiny white breast, as if they were resting there, 

 making a lovely picture of motherhood. 



Not for many days lasted the open -mouth baby 

 stage in these rapidly developing youngsters. 

 Very soon they were pert and wide awake, look- 

 ing upon the green world about them with calm 

 eyes, and opening mouths only when food was to 

 be expected. Mouthfuls, too, were no longer of 

 the minute order; they were large enough for 

 the parents themselves, and of course plain to 

 be seen. Sometimes, indeed, as in the case of a 

 big dragon-fly, the father was obliged to hold 

 on, while the young hopeful pulled off piece 

 after piece, until it was small enough for him to 

 manage; occasionally, too, when the morsel was 

 particularly hard, the little king passed it back 

 to the giver, who stood waiting, and received 

 it again when it had been apparently crushed 



