made up his mind that he would first try his
courage on a little yellow chick named Downy, who was just three days
old, and who had strayed away from his mother's wing to pick up a crumb.

So with a fearful growl, and a bark that might have frightened a lion,
Bravo made a leap and a spring after poor little Downy. But Downy was
too intent on his crumb of bread to take much notice of the enemy; and
then Bravo, like a prudent general, stopped short, and tried his
artillery before approaching any nearer. In other words, he began to
bark in such a terrible manner, that any reasonable person would have
shown his respect by running away.

But Downy was too young to reason, or show respect. Bravo, though as
valiant as Julius Caesar, was, at the same time, as cautious and careful
as Fabius; and, if you do not know who Fabius was, I must tell you. He
was a Roman general who was very famous for his ability in retreating,
and getting out of an enemy's way.

Bravo thought to himself, "It holds to reason, since that little chick
isn't afraid of such a powerful dog as I am, that there must be help
near at hand." And, sure enough, hardly had Bravo thought this, when
from behind some rushes ran out an old hen, followed by four, five, six
chickens; and the old hen, with her feathers all ruffled, went right at
Bravo, while the chicks stood behind sharpening their bills, and getting
ready to join in the battle with their mother.

[Illustration]

Although the most courageous of dogs, it could not be expected that
Bravo would be so foolhardy as to make a stand against such odds. He
paused a moment, with his mouth open, as the terrible old hen came at
him; and then, seeing that the tide of battle was against him, he ran
off as fast as he could to his master's door-step. But, though defeated,
he showed his spirit by keeping up a frightful barking. The old hen and
her chicks, however, were so stupid that they did not mind it much.

Indeed, the old hen, with her family, came up so near to the door-step,
that Bravo was obliged to make a second retreat. This he did with such
success and good general-ship, that he escaped unhurt. Thus ended
Bravo's first battle; and I think you will agree with me, that many a
general with epaulets would not have done any better.

UNCLE CHARLES.

THE CATCHER CAUGHT.

_First Sparrow_ (the one standing with both wings spread).--Oh, look
here! Come al