Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-20

when he had assured himself that Miss Britain
mia really pleased, his manner toward
Gentleman John changed suddenly He must
do all he could for the fellow for the girls sake
put in the nature of things a delusion of
that sort could not long exist between
such sincere girl as Miss Britannia and such
an inslncere braggart as Gentleman John
Only few days after his first ingratiating bow.
a hawk suddenly swooped down upon party
of them as they were feeding Gentleman John
was the first to fly. without single warning
note to the others The rest of the men waited
until their wives and sweethearts had started
toward places of safety. and then followed to
protect their escape
Miss Britannia. of course alone: for
Tuffruf never by any chance permitted himself
to approach near her, and she flew quickly
toward the protection of a thickly branched
cedar tree. But stranger sparrow, one that
had joined them only that morning happened
to be near enough to notice her unprotected
condition. and he promptly threw himself be-
tween her and the hawk, and was caught
A half-hour later Gentleman John sought
her with elaborate explanation; but she
would not notice him. When he persisted she
flew to where Tutfruf was feeding by himself
Mr.. Tuffruf.' she began hurriedlv.
old neighbor am going to ask your protection
Gentleman John annoys me and | want you
to make him keep his distance OF course
could do it myself. only it would not seem
quite nice for me to fight him after l had
permitted him TOTO keep company with me
Tuffruf was trembling with embarrassment
III hadn't you better try to make up with
him. he suggested. you like him and
Like him. she interrupted impetuouslv
" despise him! always have but | was
alone, and he seemed better than no company
at all. VIII you punish him.
Tuffruf's head rose suddenly Oh | II
thresh him all right he declared vehemently
land glad of the chance But you must get
some one else to figure before the public as-as
your champion
Why"
1t was a direct question requiring direct
answer: but Tuffruf hestated
Why YOU see, it s this way he explained
fellow, and it hurts girl to be seen even talking
with me, I've heard some of them say SO
You're the only fine girl in the whole lot and
| must think about you first III fight your
battles. but for your sake it must be done III
the background. I'm not fit for you to know
a friend"
"Oh, Mr.. Tuffruf!" the girl chirped in amaze
ment whatever put such an idea into your
head? You're the finest. bravest gentleman in
all sparrowdom All the girls think that no
YOU for a friend than any bird l ever saw
Tufrufs head dropped With any other
bird such amazing news would have meant a
corresponding elation: but it made Tuffruf
feel suddenly humble
is that really-so, Miss Britannica" he asked
in low voice Do you mean"
"Of course dol" impetuously Ever since
you scared that cat by flying into her face
when was little fedgling. have thought you
the best and nobest-" She stopped in sud-
den confusion but with something in her chirp
that made Tutfruf hop nearer with strange
wondering joy flashing into his eyes.
Miss Britannia" he whispered, Sweet
heart Britannia. IL never
He did not finish the sentence but there
was no need 1t was all in his eyes and in her
eyes, and that was enough