"How is it, Richard," said Jenny one day, "that nearly all these great creatures called mankind look upon us as if we had very little understanding in our head? Is it because we are so little and wear feathers?" "Oh, no, it is because our language is different. In fact, they really think we do not speak at all, and it seems to them that where there is no speech there is little or no thought." "What language does Master George speak, Richard?" "English, dear, a beautiful language when well spoken and especially when well sung." "And what language do we speak, Richard?" Sloping his head a little to the side, Richard thought for a moment and then replied with a funny twinkle in his eye-- "Our language is Song-Sparrowish." "Dear me," said Jenny, "it must be greater than English, when it needs such a big word. But Master George understands it, doesn't he?" "He does indeed, he does, because he is well acquainted with us. I overheard him say the other day that he understood our ways well, and that our musical language and gratitude were to him a great delight." "Here he comes," exclaimed Jenny. "See, he opens the garden-gate. I do love to see his winsome, cheerful face." "And he is both brave and kind," answered Richard, clearing his throat and preparing to deliver an eloquent speech in Song-Sparrowish. "Now raise your song of gratitude, dear, and sing your very best." * * * * * The above little story is founded on a fact recorded in the *_Courier Journal_. *A SONG-SPARROW'S GRATITUDE. It is a rare occurrence for animals in a wild state to select man for a companion and friend, yet well-authenticated instances where this has been done are a matter of record. The following incident is vouched for by a young lady who is a close and accurate observer: "Last week my brother, a lad of 12, killed a snake which was just in the act of robbing a song-sparrow's nest. Ever since then the male sparrow has shown his gratitude to George in a truly wonderful manner. When he goes into the garden the sparrow will fly to him, sometimes alighting on his head, at other times on his shoulder, all the while pouring out a tumultuous song of praise and gratitude. It will accompany him about the garden, never leaving him until he reaches the garden gate. George, as you know, is a quiet boy who loves animals, and this may account in a degree for the sparrow's extraordinary actions."--_Courier Journal_. End of Project Gutenberg's The Fairy School of Castle Frank, by Grant Balfour