Page:Story of the robins.djvu/134

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The Story of the Robins.

you must be very thirsty." "No," said they, "we have had several wet worms and juicy caterpillars, which have served us both for victuals and drink; Robin is very quick at finding them." "There is nothing like necessity to teach birds how to live," said the father; "I am glad Robin's misfortunes have been so beneficial to him," "What would have become of you, Robin, if you had not exerted yourself as I directed?" said his mother; "you would soon have died had you continued to lie on the scorching ground. Remember from this instance, as long as you live, that it is better to use means for your own relief than to spend time in fruitless lamentations. But come along, Dicky, Flapsy, and Pecksy, there is water near." She then conducted them to the pump from which Joe watered the garden, which was near the tool-house where Robin slept.

Here they stayed some time, and were greatly amused, still so near the gardener that they regarded themselves as under his protection. The parents flew up into a tree, and there the father entertained his beloved mate and family with his cheerful music; and sometimes they made various airy excursions for examples to their little ones. In this manner the day passed happily away, and early in the evening Flapsy, Pecksy, and Dicky were conducted to the