MR. CHUPES AND MISS JENNY 



tree, but the investigation of the earth with 

 its pebbly treasures, and now and then the 

 capture of a worm, for which, at this time, 

 he seemed to have little use beyond the 

 pleasure of slaughtering it. 



Many a bird paid Chupes a wondering 

 visit during these days in the grove, but all 

 his callers would retire after a short investi- 

 gation, evidently under the impression that 

 no sane bird would be willing to exchange 

 their society for that of 'human beings. 

 Through my innocent little decoy I learned 

 a world of bird secrets. Relieved from ap- 

 prehension by his fondness for me and his 

 familiarity with human beings, his feath- 

 ered companions have gone on with their 

 housekeeping even in my immediate neigh- 

 borhood; occasionally, in an excess of curi- 

 osity, venturing near enough to study me 

 narrowly. 



Once, when Chupes was stationed on my 

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