Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag Vol. 1

answered Tilly.

The girls laughed at that; but Bessy pulled the funny hat over her ears,
and said she was much obliged but she'd rather have candy.

'Let's look, and maybe we can find a purse. People are always going
about with money at Christmas time, and some one may lose it here,' said
Kate.

So, as they went along the snowy road, they looked about them, half in
earnest, half in fun. Suddenly Tilly sprang forward, exclaiming,--

'I see it! I've found it!'

The others followed, but all stopped disappointed; for it wasn't a
purse, it was only a little bird. It lay upon the snow with its wings
spread and feebly fluttering, as if too weak to fly. Its little feet
were benumbed with cold; its once bright eyes were dull with pain, and
instead of a blithe song, it could only utter a faint chirp, now and
then, as if crying for help.

'Nothing but a stupid old robin; how provoking!' cried Kate, sitting
down to rest.

'I shan't touch it. I found one once, and took care of it, and the
ungrateful thing flew away the minute it was well,' said Bessy, creeping
under Kate's shawl, and putting her hands under her chin to warm them.

'Poor little birdie! How pitiful he looks, and how glad he must be to