The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-14

worse than savagery, Mrs. Jones7
 Freddie's voice vibrated with excitement as be talked. and his innocent thrust al the old lady was understood by her, for her own wrinkled cheek coored a bit and she showed confusion. "Oh. of course. she stammered, i've must always look out for the aged. They cannot look out for themselves. But with pet birds and animals it is different. They never did anything for any person. you know. They are cared for from their infancy to their old age, and are mere pets-nothing more"
 "But your poor old Pee-wee used to sing for you when he had a voice" protested Freddie. And that was why you kept him. l call that doing something for others, Mrs. Jones. But-see how tired and thirsty he is I must give him some water
 If he were of any account I'd give him to you,' said the old lady, sitting down wearily. But he would only be a bother to you and would afford you no pleasure. ;
 Freddie looked up brightly. "Give him to me-, he said eagerly. "I'd just love to have him. I don't mind his being old and his not being able to sing any more I want to make him happy, and by so doing l shall be happy, too.
 Mrs. Jones smiled then said: "Very well, son, Pee-wee is yours, and l shall be glad to be rid of him. But-wfll you please fetch me a glass of wateri Jane forgot to bring in my customary pitcher of water before she left this morning And-will you be so good as to open the kitchen windows so that the fresh air will come in? l have rheumatism so bad ly in my shoulders that I cannot do those things for myself
 Freddie was only too happy to be of assistance to lis old neghbor, but while he was performing the little duties for her he said to himself: What if I had said to her. Just wait till Jane returns for your glass of water, for 1t is her work and she should have a reminder that she neglected doing it. I guess poor old Mrs Jones would have had a taste of poor old Pee-wees discomfort Only, she could manage to get to the kitchen to get d drink while he poor caged fellow, couldn't get outside his bars. and must stay there and suffer"
 After handing the old lady the glass of water, and opening the kitchen windows, Freddie filled the cage glass with water and gave the old Pee-wee time to drink which he did as if half-famished-be- fore starting to his home. Then, bidding Mrs. Jones good morning, and begging her to call upon him whenever she needed some one to perform errands for her, he ran away happy in the ownership of the old bird.
 And old Pee-wee soon found that he had fallen into other and better hands. He was fed regularly, given fresh fruit and water every few hours during the day; his cage was kept in a comfortable place by big window through which he could look into Ieafless but pleasant park. The old birdie was neglected no more, but loved and made much of, and began to hop about his cage with new spirit. And one day. while Freddie was allow ing him the freedom of the big library, the happy fellow perched himself on the top of a picture and began to sing.
 At first the song consisted of but few faint trembling notes. but once having found his voice. old Pee-wee kept on trying to coax 1t forward, and pretty soon he war bled forth song that delighted Fred die immensely. Running to his mothers room, he cried: Come, Mamma. quickly; and hear old Pee-wee singing. He has grown young agnin!'
 That comes from happy surroundings, loving hand to care for him, and a youthful companion who infuses new life into his little being,' explained Fred dies mother ''There Is nothing like love and sweet sympathy, my child, to make us happy and young.
 And with their arms about each other.