32 
THE BROWN THRUSHES : 
What ! the Brown Thrushes ? ” exclaimed 
both the Robins in astonishment. What could 
have prompted them to do it ? Why, they 
have four children of their own,” continued 
Mrs. R., ^^'and surely we have always treated 
them like brother and sister. I never was 
more astonished in my life.” 
We cannot always account for the wicked- 
ness of people,” said Blue Jay, hypocriti- 
cally ; but I have no doubt but that the great 
beauty of your child had excited the jealousy 
of the Browns, and they determined to pos- 
sess themselves of it, and trust to luck in not 
getting caught. If I had not witnessed the 
robbery, who knows what story they would 
have trumped up, or vile deed perpetrated, 
even to placing one of their own brats in your 
house in exchange for the one they stole.” 
What ! ” exclaimed Robin, did you wit- 
ness the diabolical deed ? ” 
I did,” answered Blue Jay. It was dur- 
ing the recent storm. I was abroad in search 
of food, when, as I chanced to be in this 
neighborhood, I noticed Brown lurking about 
