dly, and then return to his food again. Indeed, he
much wondered how his parents and brother could wish to spend their time
in talking, while there was such a feast spread out before them.

"Now," said Mrs. Robin to Jack, "I must go back to your sisters--will
you go with me?"

"I will," answered Jack. "I want to tell Katy what a fine time I have
had." So he turned up his head in a very arch way to Annie, and after a
few pretty little chirps, flew lightly into the top of the lilac bush.

Dick made no answer, and his mother determined to take no notice of him,
but to let him return to the nest when he thought fit. She ascended to
the tree, where Jack alighted as soon as she did.

His little heart panted with the excitement and exertion, but his mother
praised him, and his sisters received him with joy.

CHAPTER V.

SORROW IN THE NEST.

"I do not think," said Molly, "that I shall ever learn to fly."

"O, don't be afraid!" cried Jack, soothingly. "We'll all help you."

"I am not afraid, but I cannot get away from the nest."

"Why not?" asked Mrs. Robin, in surprise. "Why not?" repeated Jack and
Katy.

"Because my foot is fastened to the bottom of it," replied poor Molly,
in a mournful tone.

Her mother hopped to her side, and endeavored to remove a long piece of
worsted thread, which was woven into the nest, and was now firmly
twisted about Molly's leg.

"How long has this been done?" she asked, in an anxious tone.

"I first discovered it last night," said the patient bird. "Every time
I tried to stir, it bound me firmer than before. I have endeavered to
remove it with my beak, but I think I have only made it worse. Now I
fear I can never learn to fly."

"Dear Molly," said Jack, pressing his neck to hers.

"I will stay in the nest with you," said the tender-hearted Katy.

Mrs. Robin said nothing, but after flying to the top of the tree to see
whether her husband was in sight, she began to pull at the string; but
every motion made poor Molly utter a cry of pain.

"I must be content to remain quietly in the nest," she faltered, in a
touching tone of sadness.

Jack and Katy began to chirp most piteously, and continued to do so
until their father returned.

In the mean time Dick went on eating until he could scarcely move; and
when he began to think it was time to return to the nest, he was so
heavy and stupid that he could not raise his wings. He heard the
continued chirping of his brother and