ward to the time
when the bright red fruit should hang gaily upon the branches above
their home. But there were others--besides Johnnie Green--who
eagerly awaited that time and noticed that the old tree was loaded
with blossoms, which meant that later there would be plenty of
cherries.

Jolly Robin was one of those who had a taste for cherries, no
matter whether they grew wild in the woods or within easy reach in
Farmer Green's yard. And as soon as cherry time arrived Jolly was
on hand every day to enjoy the treat.

He was so cheerful and good-natured that Rusty Wren and his wife
did not object to Jolly's visits--so long as he did not venture too
near their house. They always scolded loudly when an outsider came
too close to their home, for they had a big family of children, and
they couldn't help feeling that the youngsters were safer with no
prying busybodies to meddle with them.

Of course, Jolly Robin never once thought of harming any of Rusty's
family. And as soon as he saw that Rusty--and especially his
wife--wanted him to keep away from their side of the tree, he took
care to respect their wishes.

Then all was peaceful. And the three had many pleasant chats
together.

At last, however, Jolly Robin made a remark one day that threw both
Rusty and his wife into a flutter of alarm. Jolly Robin had not
meant to frighten them. But the news was out before he realized
that it was far from welcome to his two little listeners.

"Jasper Jay has heard about these cherries," he announced. "And he
says he's coming over here as soon as he can find time, for he is
specially fond of all kinds of cherries, no matter whether they're
red cherries or black cherries or choke cherries."

Rusty Wren glanced quickly at his wife.

He could easily see that Jolly Robin's speech had upset her. And,
to tell the truth, he did not himself relish the prospect of a
visit from anybody as boisterous and quarrelsome as that famous
bully, Jasper Jay.

"Can't you prevent his coming?" Rusty asked Jolly Robin.

But Jolly Robin shook his head.

"When Jasper Jay makes up his mind, I know of no way to make him
change it," he said.

XI

THE NOISE ON THE ROOF

As soon as she heard that Jasper Jay intended to visit her cherry
tree, to enjoy the ripe fruit, Rusty Wren's wife began to worry.
And she made herself so unhappy that Rusty couldn't help wishing
that Jolly Robin had kept his news to himself.

"Don't be alarmed!" he said