178 The Statue and the Birds.

lt iss: said: he:

“ And it is wef done,” said she.

Clie is” Sauicl le,

“Tt is very well done,” said she.

“Tt is,” said he, and then they went to bed.
Now on the next day, and for them, poor little
things, ‘t was to be a sad day indeed, two men
came and stood before the Statue. You can
imagine their feelings when one said:

“Yes, Patrick, get your ladder, and give the
Statue a good washing, for it really does look very
dirty,’ and the other man answered :

“Vis, sorr,” and then they both went away.

“Oh,” screamed the birds, ‘ how dreadful, for
if he washes the Statue, we shall be discovered,
and our home torn down and thrown away.”

Then the little wife-bird hopped on to one
knee of the big Statue and begged piteously for
help, while the little husband-bird rushed to the
other knee and did the same.

“Don't let them tear down our beautiful
home,” said one.