One June afternoon I thought I was old enough to take a walk by myself, so off I started, without asking permission of my father or mother. All went well for awhile, and I was having a delightful time, seeing many new strange things. Then all at once I began to feel very tired and hungry, and thought I would go home, but which way to go I knew not. I went this way and that and peeped as loud as ever I could, calling “Mother! mother!” but no answer came. Finally I sat down, tucked my head under my wing and went to sleep. The next thing I knew something was coming down over me and I was held very tight. I screamed, pecked, and tried my best to get away. Then someone said very gently: “Don’t be afraid, little birdie; I am not going to harm you, but send you to a lady who loves little birds, and will take good care of you.” I was dreadfully frightened, but I did not make another peep. We went a long way. Then I heard the little boy say: “Charlotte, will you please take this bird to Miss Bascom, for she was so kind to me when I was sick?” I changed hands, and off we went. Soon I heard some one calling out: “There comes Charlotte with a bird.” Then another voice said: “I wonder if it is another sparrow;” but when she saw me she exclaimed, “What a perfect beauty!” took me in her hand and I knew at once I had found a good friend and new mother. Bread and milk were ordered. Of course, I did not know what bread and milk were, but I was so hungry I could have swallowed dirt or stones, so there was no trouble about my taking it, and I wished all birds could have such delicious food. I was taken up-stairs to my new home, where everything was in pink and green and looked so fresh I thought I was back in the clover field. My new mother (for that is what I mean to call her) took me up to what she called a cage and said: “Tricksey and Cervera, I want to introduce you to your new brother.” Tricksey charmed me at once, for he was like a ray of sunshine in his dress of gold, but when I looked at Cervera I laughed right out in his face. It was very rude, but I know if any of you had been in my place you would have done the same thing. Of all the ugly specimens of a bird I had ever seen he was the very worst. He was Tricksey’s size, but only had his baby feathers and one tail feather. He was dirt color, had big staring eyes, and such a bill, almost as large as his head, which was perfectly flat. He looked so common and ill-bred that I wondered how dainty Tricksey ever sat beside him. I was too sleepy to ask any questions and was soon fast asleep on my new mother’s finger; then was put into a nice little basket filled with cotton. The next day Tricksey was very kind to me, but Cervera was cross and pecked me every time he got a chance. Tricksey said: “I have tried to be kind to that old Spaniard, Cervera, but I do not like him and will not have him snuggle close to me nights, so I fight him until he gets into the swing.