158 HE SOON SETTLED THE SPARROWS. 



a neighbor's ribs. Now, too, he began to show- 

 interest in out-of-doors, standing on the win- 

 dow sash and looking out, which is a familiar 

 sign that a bird's time to depart has come. In 

 his case I did not consider it necessary to carry 

 him to the park to liberate him, for I was sure 

 he could take care of the sparrows and protect 

 himself — and so it proved. When he found 

 himself suddenly on a tall tree in the street, and 

 before he recovered from his surprise, those dis- 

 reputable birds gathered around him to see 

 what he was like. They soon found out ; he 

 quickly recovered himself, made a wild dash 

 that scattered them like leaves before the wind, 

 and then planted himself on a branch to await 

 another attempt. But sparrows, though saucy, 

 are knowing, and not one came near him again. 

 They had quite satisfied their curiosity, and 

 after a few moments' waiting the brown thrush 

 went on his way rejoicing. 



