said the canary, laughing. "To think of your paying anybody a compliment!"
Mrs. Polly was about as much astonished as the others at such an unusual occurrence, and gave a short laugh.
"To resume business," she said. "Now, the first thing to do is for the sparrow to fly back to the place where Nancy lives and find out what's going on, and when the best time will be for us to carry out our project. I should say 'twould be well to take some time when she's out selling her matches."
"O. K.," answered the sparrow. "I'll tear myself away for a while if you think you can spare me long enough, my dear," he said to the barn-cat.
"Get along with you!" said the barn-cat testily.
"Don't be harsh to a fellow," answered the sparrow. "You know, my dear creature, that you'll count the hours till I come back!"
