178 TROUBLE IN THE HONEYSUCKLES. 



Madam evidently made up her mind to shake 

 off a useless partner, and early in the day a 

 rival appeared on the scene. The cock who 

 assumed this despicable rdle was a tumbled-up 

 sort of a fellow, who looked as though he needed 

 a wife to keep his coat in order, and I had my 

 doubts whether that little hen had made a wise 

 choice. He alighted on the sill, One-leg being 

 on the ledge above. Here he planted himself 

 in a dogged way, in a crouching attitude, and 

 called, though not with the least spirit. His 

 feathers were ruffled, not bristled up in anger 

 or in fighting style ; and from his whole appear- 

 ance I could not resist the conviction that he 

 was a hen-pecked coward ordered to go out and 

 fight, and dutifully, but not heartily, obeying. 



The knowing bird on the ledge evidently de- 

 spised him. He answered him call for call, 

 and louder than his challenger, but did not 

 deign to attack him till the ragged-looking fel- 

 low attempted to enter the honeysuckles, when 

 instantly the little hero flew furiously at him 

 and he retired. Then madam came out and 

 scolded her spouse, and he returned to his ledge 

 to rest and get his breath. 



After a while another candidate for her favor 

 arrived upon the sill. This was a different 

 looking bird, for much alike as are sparrows 

 there are variations of manner and looks readily 



