While the patriotic bullfinch was asserting in the most melodiously-persuasive notes that "Britons never, _never_, NE-_ver_ shall be slaves," its mate was engaged drawing up water in the tiniest little bucket in the world--another of the accomplishments (coming, presumably, under the head of "extras")which patient Dan had taught the birds in order to win the heart of the Old Sailor. The industrious bullfinch had a remarkably rakish eye, which flashed saucily and impatiently as the music fell upon its ears. The slender rope which held the bucket being in its beak, it could not join in the harmony; but directly the bucket was hauled up and secured, it whetted its whistle, and piped out in opposition,-- "And did you not hear of a jolly young waterman, Who at Blackfriars-bridge used for to ply? He feathered his oars with such skill and dexterity, Winning each heart and delighting each eye;" repeating, as was its wont, the last line, "Winning each heart and delighting each eye," so as to produce a greater effect. I do not assert that the bullfinch actually uttered the words, but I _do_ assert positively that it sang the music of them with the most beautiful trills that mortal ever heard. But there was the solemn church-bell striking seven o'clock in tones less solemn than usual, and there was the joyous church-bell following suit. And as if the sound had conjured him up, there was Joshua, dressed in his best, and looking so fresh and handsome with his holiday-face on, that Dan might well be proud of him. He had his accordion under his arm, and in one hand was a bunch of flowers which Dan was to give to the Old Sailor, and in the other a glass containing some rape-seed soaked in canary-wine for the birds. They knew as well as possible--knowing little bullfinches!--that Joshua had something nice for them; and as he approached the cage they came as close to him as they could, and, to show their appreciation of his kindness, greeted him with a gush of the sweetest melody. What better beginning could there be for a happy holiday!