With a big yawn she snuggled down amongst the cushions, which were very soft and comfortable. Her eyes would keep on shutting in the funniest way, just as if it were bed-time. "I--do--believe--I'm--going--to sleep," she murmured. "Hullo!" said a harsh voice suddenly. Elsie opened her eyes with a start, and looked round to see who had spoken. There was no one in sight. "I must have been dreaming," she thought. "Hullo!" said the voice again--this time just beside her chair. She glanced down, and there on the lawn stood a large rook, looking up at her out of his black, beady eyes. "Did you speak?" asked Elsie in astonishment. "Yes," said the rook. "Do you think I whistled, or what?" "There is no need to be rude," said Elsie with dignity. "It's only natural I should have been surprised." "Why?" asked the rook. "Well, birds aren't supposed to talk." "Ever seen a parrot?" "You're not a parrot," objected Elsie. "Never said I was," replied the rook. "But you seem interested in us," he observed, "judging from the way you were staring just now." "I beg your pardon," said Elsie, blushing, for she had been properly brought up, and knew that it was rude to stare. "Don't mention it," said the rook. "I assure you we don't mind in the least. Wouldn't you like to come up and have a look at the nests?" "Very much," answered Elsie; "but how can I? I can't climb the trees." "If it comes to that," replied the rook, "neither can I." "But you can fly," objected Elsie. "So can you, I suppose," said the rook. "No, I can't," said Elsie. "How do you know?" persisted the rook. "Have you ever tried?" Elsie shook her head. "Don't be silly," she said. "I know very well I can't fly, so what's the good of trying?" "That's exactly what our children always say," replied the rook scornfully. "And yet they fly right enough when we push them out of the nest." He laughed a sort of hoarse, croaking chuckle. "Of course, if you're afraid"--he added. Elsie jumped up out of her chair indignantly. "Afraid? Who's afraid?" she cried. "You're just saying that to annoy me!" "No, I'm not," answered the rook. "Don't get your feathers ruffled. All you have to do is to copy me, and you'll fly like a bird." "But I haven't got any wings," said Elsie. "You've got arms, haven't you? They'll do just as well for a short distance, and if you get tired I'll lend you a claw. Now, come along. Just shut your eyes and jump, and you'll find you're as right as rain." Elsie thought that there could be no great harm in trying, so she closed her eyes, and jumped up in the air as high as ever she could. Of course, she expected to come down again bang, but to her great surprise she did nothing of the kind. She found herself floating gently upwards, and, opening her eyes, discovered that she was already on a level with the roof of the house. The rook was fluttering lazily alongside.