48 THE BABIES' CRT. 



at first only when food was offered to them, 

 but as they increased in age and strength more 

 frequently. It was much like a high-pitched 

 " e-e-e," and on the first day there was but one 

 voice, which grew rapidly stronger as the hours 

 went by. The next day another and a weaker 

 cry joined the first, now grown assured and 

 strong. But the music of the father was 

 hushed the moment the youngsters began ; from 

 that time until they had left the nest, he sang 

 not a note in my hearing. Perhaps he was too 

 busy, though he never seemed to work so hard 

 as the robin or oriole ; but I think it was 

 cautiousness, for the trouble of those parents 

 was painful to witness. They introduced a 

 new sound among their musical notes, a harsh 

 squawk ; neither dog nor negro could cross the 

 yard without being saluted with it. As for me, 

 though I was meekness itself, taking the most 

 obscure position I could find, and remaining as 

 absolutely motionless as possible, they eyed me 

 with suspicion; from the first they "hufEed" 

 at me, and at this point began to squawk the 

 moment I entered the gate. On one occasion 

 I discovered that by changing my seat I could 

 actually see the nest, which I much desired ; so 

 I removed while the birds were absent. Madam 

 was the first to return, with a beakful of food ; 

 she saw me instantly, and was too much excited 



