Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-10
TITO AND DUB-DUB
BY DORIS WEBB.

Onca there was a little baby song-spar-
row named Tito, and he was just learning
10 fy. too. and they had grand times Hop
ping out OF the nest and tapping to inc
ground. At last one bright morning TITO
spread his wings and went for long,
long dy out into the world-so far that
when he at last came to the ground ana
perched on little rose bush he thought
he must be nearly at the end OF the ear tn
what a tremendous Journey he sain'
as he looked about him. He was at inc
edge of a pretty marsh. bright with now
ers, and tust below him flowed a gentle
stream OF clear water. 1t was very pleas
ant indeed.
'@Fweet. tweet chirrup," sang Tito, sway y.
ing gleefully up and down. Then Us NC
looked into the stream below him ne saw
a stir in the water, and out crept cur
Gus shaped green thing without any "niss'
'Croek." 1t said. what beaueirul sins
SIyhat are your. cried Tito. You're
the queerest bird ever saw!
"Rirdv' cried the green thing, Tn
frog. My name Duo-duo ana ne ieape0
onto a messy rock near the rose push.
"Oh!" said Tito, how splenoldiy you
That isn't anything" Dub-dub answer
ed. and he began leaping about irom 1ao on9
bank to the other in a most magnihcenlss
style That's just as easy as rolling OF
a log. and the smallest baby froggie could
roll off log If you pushed H. Wnat au-
could ever sing really well: Do let me
hear that little song again.
SO Tito sang his little chirpy song, ana
Dub-dub sat upon the messy rock ana iis
tened.
That is fine." he said, when Tito hao
finished ''Td rather be able to sing than
anything else in the world"
Realty cried Tito: I'd rather be apie
7 Itch, 7 sriv voice
for your jump.
I think it can be done. Wen go and see
the Fairy Iris about It, She can DO Won,
derful things and I'm quite sure she could
change about our jumps and our Voices
If you'd really like 10"
II would. I wouldw cried Tito. Then
come" said Dub-dub, and he hoped Off
down the stream, while Tito followed, very
much excited. Soon they came to ctump
of high rushes. and In the middle rose one
queenly purple iris. The three inner petals
were folded together like O. little tent.
Dub-dub stopped. Fairy Iris" he cali
ed Tito waited and watched Then the
three closed petals OF the iris unfolded
gently. Inside, seated on golden throne
was the daintiest little fairy tmagina pie
She was dressed in purple like the softest
purple velvet and her wings were gauzy
and colored like opals.
is 1t you, little Dub-dub?' she asked
And what shall you like me to do for
your?
Dub-dub explained what they wanted.
and the fairy listened. with her chin IN
one tiny hand.
II can change YOU" she said but think
you're much better as you are.'
"Oh, please, please change u.s. cried Tito
and Dub-dub.
eyes" So they shut their eyes and each
felt something soft touch his throat and
feet. When they opened their eyes the iris
had closed again. and the fairy could no
longer be seen.
She's gone" said Dub-dub. and he gave
a little hop OF surprise. for his voice sound
ed soft and musical
she really has changed us!' he cried,
and then he began singing and caroling,
just exactly like little bird.
ITS wonderful said Tito, but the words
sounded harsh and croaky. oh. dearl
don't Ike my voice." he cried, but any
way think I can leap now" and he gave
great spring and landed four feet away.
Just lookl" he called. isn't that fine
I'm going right home to show my brothers
and sisters. Good-bye!" and he flew away.
Dub-dub went back to his home. too,
but 1t took him long time. for he found
that he could only take little hops. like a
bird, instead of the long leaps he was used
10. However, he was very proud of his
voice. and sang softly to himself
"Oh, ever so fart" croaked Tito.
the oak tree where he lived was the largest
in the wood All his family were at home,
chirping and ewittering usual.
Where have you been, Tito?' asked his
mother. when the tired little birdie flew into
the nest.
''Oh ever so far croaked Tito.
Good gracious" cried his mother, you
have taken a dreadful cold. I never heard
such voice In my life. You must come
right to bed" So Tito cuddled down In the
nest. while his mother fed him on winter
green berries, and tied woody mullen leaf
around his neck.
For two days Tito stayed in the nest. but
though his voice got no better he seemed