"It was up at the stream yonder. I went to give my face a wash after all the,--the,--you know what,--and the crying,--so I was having a good plunge when this little _bird_ flapped along the ground, and was frightened at all my splashin' I suppose, for it fell in the water, and then it scrambled out, and flew right into a hole in the wall. I took off my stockings, and wading across lifted it out; but the little thing was nearly dead, and its heart was thumping at such a rate, and its beak kept opening and shutting till it died." Kittie's eyes opened very wide while Ben was telling this, and her cheeks flushed crimson. She held the dead little thing so tenderly in her hands, while its tiny head fell over her fingers. "I will keep it like this, the darling birdie," said the little girl; and all the evening long she would not give it up. "We must bury it to-morrow, Kit, in your little garden. I'll make a little box for its coffin, and dig the hole." But she stroked the pretty little yellow and brown feathers, and did not wish to think of to-morrow. CHAPTER VIII. SCHOOLBOYS. When Ben woke next morning he had a great load on his mind, for he had to face the boys again; but after a few words with the father, he felt better; and taking Harry Gray's hand in the breakfast hour, they went together to Jim's home. A knock at the door brought Mrs. Snow face to face with them. "This little chap forgot himself yesterday, and when the boys mocked him for being put in the low class, he struck at your Jim. He is sorry for it, and wants to make up with him again." "Jim came in with his lip cut, and I found out that your boy had done it. I suppose he has been used to that sort of thing, and we cannot expect much better from him. As he is sorry, it's all right this time; and I hope he will behave himself better another day." "I never used to fight anybody," answered Ben. "It's hard for a fellow to be called 'baby' because no one taught him to read before; but I mean to try not to fight Jim again. You might ask him to leave off teasing me." Mrs. Snow looked at the eager face before her, and her better feelings prevailed. "Come here, Jim," she cried, diving at Jim, who was behind the door; "here's Ben Gray come to tell you he's sorry for fighting. It's more than you would do. Now don't you tease him again." Jim struggled to get free, and bursting away, cried--"I'll pay him out; see if I don't." Mrs. Snow's better feelings were quite overwhelmed now by her anger against Jim; and she went in search of him to promise him such a thrashing as he knew she would never carry out, while Harry Gray and Ben walked away. "Don't be afraid, boy, persevere and think twice before you act," said the father, as they parted--the one for school, the other for work. Of course Ben had a great deal to contend with; but when he had once tried the right way, every fresh attack from the boys was easier to withstand.