i8o BIRD PARADISE 



the stx)rm sang a new song, under the inspiration 

 of the cheery sunbeams. All day long the breezes 

 had sway, and I felt sure that there was no weak 

 spot in their efforts. Someway I fancied that the 

 friction of such ardent endeavor would send the 

 mercury toward the stars. On the contrary it 

 gave the atmosphere a chill that was measured 

 exactly by the cipher mark. Not a sign any- 

 where that really looked like the least expendi- 

 ture of effort. The winds ran their course, the 

 cold kept pace with them, all of it, the beginning 

 and continuing, that is sure to seek and get its 

 own. Ah, my brothers, the winds and cold and 

 storm ! The story of the day, rich in the min- 

 istry of "Sky Pilots" that guide their airy craft 

 safely, let the danger be what it may. 



My flock of English sparrows seems to increase 

 in numbers. Very likely the young fellows that 

 are now on the wing account in good part for the 

 increase. I could certainly get on nicely with 

 the flock reduced at least one-half. In fact they 

 might all be away for a day or two and things 

 at the rectory go on prosperously. Still the little 

 fellows have a place, and in that plac« make up 

 a part of my household that I should not like to 



