The sparrow flew away, holding the lump of sugar tightly in his claw.

"It's a long time since I was at home," he said to himself as he flew along; "I don't dare to think how long it is. The old lady'll be pretty hard to bring 'round, I suspect, but she's a good little thing and will make up before long. Let me see—the youngsters must be 'most ready to fly by this time. 'Tis a shame, I declare, to neglect my family so. Well, I guess I'll take Mrs. Polly's advice and settle down."

He passed over a clear spring in the woods, and lit on the edge to drink. As he stooped over to reach the fresh water he