it otherwise, you may depend on my not going up." "On this condition I will permit you to go," said Mrs. Benson; "but pray, Frederick, let me remind you not to frighten your little favourites." "Not for all the world!" said Frederick. So away he skipped, and ran to Joe before his sister. "We may go! we may go, Joe!" cried he. "Stay for me, Joe, I beg," said Harriet, who presently joined him. Frederick's impatience was so great that he could scarcely be restrained from running all the way, but his sister entreated him not to make himself too hot.
At length they arrived at the desired spot; Joe placed the ladder, and his young master, with a little assistance, mounted it very nimbly; but who can describe his raptures when he beheld the nestlings! "Oh the sweet creatures!" cried he, "there are four of them, I declare! I never saw anything so pretty in my life! I wish I might carry you all home!" "That you must not do, Frederick," said his sister;" and I beg you will come away, for you will either terrify the little creatures or alarm the old birds, which perhaps are now waiting somewhere near to feed them." "Well, I will come away directly," said Frederick; "and so good-bye, robins! I hope you will come soon, along with your father
