160 Tom Seven Vears Old.

-mustn’t know I’ve let the bird out, or he’d be
very angry.” |

“Would he?” said Tom and Archie to-
gether. “Why ?” |

“Because,” answered he, “that was a
naughty bird that went to steal the fruit, and
the net imprisoned him because he was a
thief.”

“ And what would your gardener do to you,
aif he knew you let him out ?” asked Tom.

“Do?” repeated the old gentleman. “Why,
punish me, of course. He wouldn’t allow me
any fruit. He'd give it all to the birds to eat
instead. It’s very sad; but that’s what he
would do.”

“Oh dear, how dreadful!” cried Archie and
Tom together.
“Yes,” said the old gentleman ; “it is very

_- dreadful. Look, there he is, but his back is

turned; so it’s all right. Now for the pea-
cocks,” oo

He opened a little door into another garden.

“There they are! there they are!” cried

Archie; and there they really were—two