The Statue and the Birds. 179

“Protect us, for we came to you and trusted
you,” said the other.

‘“ Our dear home, that we worked so hard to
build,” said he.

“And that we had just finished,” added she,
her voice breaking.

Then they both listened for the Statue’s answer.
But he made no answer, and his cold eyes looked
at them and did not soften. ‘Then they sobbed
aloud.

“T think your heart must be of stone, like the
rest of you,” said the husband at last. But the
wife said :

“Perhaps, he is not really as cold as he seems.
He has a kind face, and may help us, after all,”
and running to him, she whispered in his ear:
“Dear Statue, when the man comes, strike him
down. He is going to wash and scrub you, and
I am sure you will not like that at all, will you?

No one does. So for your own sake, as well
as ours, strike, and strike hard.’ But the Statue
gave no sign that he had heard.