play, among the high grass, at the foot of the thistle, while mamma
would sit on the nest, keeping watch lest some enemy should approach.
As we became stronger and more courageous, we rambled further from
home, and when the distance was not too great, I generally joined the
party. All my family were now very kind to me, and I hope that I was
less pettish in my behaviour to them, for mamma had convinced us how
silly and wicked it is for brothers and sisters to quarrel with each
other.

And now I must tell you of the dreadful fate of brother Softsides. Poor
fellow! he was very vain of his running and leaping abilities, and at
last he perished miserably by his rashness. One fine afternoon, when we
were more than half grown, Softsides, Tiney, and Sleek set off for a
very long ramble along the hedge, nearly to the bottom of the field. I
was too weak to join the party, but sister Sleek gave me a particular
account of this unfortunate expedition. Softy was in very high spirits,
and was trying to make Tiney lay wagers of so many grains of corn,
about the distance he could leap. Fine fun they had, jumping and
tumbling about; but at last they came to a place where some labourers
had been dining, and had left a basket, with bread and cheese in it,
and a small keg of beer, or cider. Our party made a glorious meal on
the cheese, which was quite new food to them; and then Softsides said
he would try to leap on to the keg, to enjoy the beautiful prospect.
But sister Sleek begged him not to make the attempt, saying that she
was sure he would come to some mischief if he did. Now I must tell you,
that Sleek, though very demure and quiet in her manners, was considered
to be much the most sensible of all our family; and indeed mamma, who
was confined at home that day by a sprained ankle, had made her join
this exploring party, in the hopes that she would keep the boys out of
mischief.

"Now what harm can there possibly be in trying to jump on to this keg,
I should like to know?" said Softsides; "but sister Sleek, or _Meek_,
if you like that name better, you are always spoiling my fun."

"You may call me what name you like, Softy," replied his sister, "but I
feel quite convinced in my own mind that if you don't take my advice,
something dreadful will happen."

And sure enough something dreadful did happen--something very dreadful
indeed: for poor brother Softsides, taking a run of about a couple of
feet, jumped on to the fatal keg, pr