Lom helps a poor Bird. 183

waiting, and not a bit afraid. Tom looked
everywhere among the lower branches, but
could not find the nest, so he climbed higher.
The leaves were very thick—there was no
room for him—and the round, narrow
branches were difficult to stand upon. At
last Archie heard him calling. He went close
to the tree.

“T’ve found his home!” whispered Tom.
“And he has got two brothers just like him-
self. I haven’t met the father or mother yet.
If I come half-way down, could you hand me
the little bird without hurting him ?”

“T’ll try,’ said Archie. He really was |
afraid to touch it, in case it might break, it
seemed so delicately made.

Archie lifted it gently from off the stalk.
It did not flutter or struggle—it was too
young to be afraid.

Tom stood ready to receive it.

“Dear little baby-bird,” he said, “you
were quite right to wait. I'll take you up-
stairs to your home this very minute.”

He climbed slowly back again. Archie