CHAP. XIX.—TOM HELPS A POOR BIRD IN
DISTRESS. |

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NS far from the field where old Ben-
AN jamin used to live there was a nice
round pond. There were no ducks swim-
ming about in it, because it was too small;
but during the hot summer-time tall yellow
irises grew there in large companies, and blue
dragon-flies flew over them. There were also
a number of green weeds floating about, with
long stalks stretching far down underneath,
and their heads pushed out above the water.
One day Tom and Archie were playing near,
when Archie suddenly called Tom.

“Look!” he said; “there’s something on
the stalk of that weed. What is it ?”

They both looked. It was the dearest
little brown bird, standing quite still, and
making no noise.