74 
THE MOCKING-BIRD. 
respect for him. He is an affectionate parent, 
and always on the watch, lest any harm 
should happen to his young ones ; and if he 
thinks they are in danger, his grief is quite 
touching. 
A mischievous stranger, passing by, may 
trifle with his feelings most cruelly, by mak- 
ing a squeaking noise, in imitation of young 
birds in distress. This causes a great sensa- 
tion in the wood ; for all the birds that live 
there, begin to think it may be one of their 
little ones crying for help. 
The cat-bird, who is easily alarmed, hurries 
first to the spot, and throws himself into a 
violent agitation. He flies backwards and 
forwards, with his wings drooping, and his 
mouth open ; and screams until he gets quite 
hoarse and exhausted. He never attacks any 
living thing, for he is as mild and inoffensive 
as possible ; but he uses all the arts of 
entreaty, and seems to implore pity for' what 
he supposes to be his little ones. 
The other birds take it a great deal more 
coolly. They come to the place, it is true, to 
see what is the matter ; but they seem to 
understand the trick very soon, and go back 
