Robin's misfortune he was fearful of offending his father; he therefore got up into a currant bush, and hid himself in the thickest part of the leaves. Flapsy followed him; but Robin being obliged to keep on the ground, Pecksy kindly resolved to bear him company.
In a few minutes their parents returned from Mrs. Benson's and found the two latter pretty near where they had left them; but missing the others, the mother with great anxiety inquired what was become of them. Robin then related how they had been frightened by a hawk; and while he was doing so, they returned to him again.
"I am surprised," said the father, "that a hawk should have ventured so near the spot where the gardener was at work." Pecksy informed him that they had not seen the gardener since he left them.
"Then I dare say he is gone to breakfast," replied the mother; and this was the case, for they at this instant saw him return with his shears in his hand, and soon pursue his work. "Now you will be safe," cried the father; "I shall therefore stay and teach you to fly in different directions, and then your mother and I will make some little excursions, and leave you to practise by yourselves; but first of all let me show you where to get water, for I am sure
