The sparrow was silent a moment, and was about to speak when Major interrupted him.
"Now you must go, for Michael is through, and will close up for the night before he leaves. Tell Mrs. Polly what I've told you. Perhaps she can think of some way out of this scrape; I'm sure I can't."
The sparrow flew off at once to acquaint Mrs. Polly with the news; but for the first time since his acquaintance with her Mrs. Polly did not prove equal to the emergency. She gave a deep sigh, and shook her head several times in a very despondent manner.
"Can't you think of some way to get back that ribbon?" asked the sparrow. "Posy feels so badly about it that I'm sorry I didn't take another one instead. I was a fool. Any other bright one would have done as well."
