That is what the old hen must have said to our little pup Bravo, who, being three months old, thought he was a match for any chicken or hen in the whole barnyard. He made up his mind that he would first try his courage on a little yellow chick named Downy, who was just three days old, and who had strayed away from his mother's wing to pick up a crumb.

So with a fearful growl, and a bark that might have frightened a lion, Bravo made a leap and a spring after poor little Downy. But Downy was too intent on his crumb of bread to take much notice of the enemy; and then Bravo, like a prudent general, stopped short, and tried his artillery before approaching any nearer. In other words, he began to bark in such a terrible manner, that any reasonable person would have shown his respect by running away.

But Downy was too young to reason, or show respect. Bravo, though as valiant as Julius Cæsar, was, at the same time, as cautious and careful as Fabius; and, if you do not know who Fabius was, I must tell you. He was a Roman general who was very famous for his ability in retreating, and getting out of an enemy's way.

Bravo thought to himself, "It holds to reason, since that little chick isn't afraid of such a powerful dog as I am, that there must be help near at hand." And, sure enough, hardly had Bravo thought this, when from behind some rushes ran out an old hen, followed by four, five, six chickens; and the old hen, with her feathers all ruffled, went right at Bravo, while the chicks stood behind sharpening their bills, and getting ready to join in the battle with their mother.

Although the most courageous of dogs, it could not be expected that Bravo would be so foolhardy as to make a stand against such odds. He paused a moment, with his mouth open, as the terrible old hen came at him; and then, seeing that the tide of battle was against him, he ran off as fast as he could to his master's door-step. But, though defeated, he showed his spirit by keeping up a frightful barking. The old hen and her chicks, however, were so stupid that they did not mind it much.

Indeed, the old hen, with her family, came up so near to the door-step, that Bravo was obliged to make a second retreat. This he did with such success and good general-ship, that he escaped unhurt. Thus ended Bravo's first battle; and I think you will agree with me, that many a general with epaulets would not have done any better.

Uncle Charles.

THE CATCHER CAUGHT

First Sparrow (the one standing with both wings spread).—Oh, look here! Come all. See what has happened! Here is old Scratch-claw with his tail caught fast in the door.

Second Sparrow.—Where is he? Let me see. Oh, isn't this jolly! Halloo, Sparrows! Come and see. Come one, come all.

Third Sparrow.—That's the rascal that killed and ate three of my little ones.

Fourth Sparrow.—He came near catching me, the other day. Didn't he spit viciously when he saw me get out of his way?

Fifth Sparrow (the one on the ground).—How are you, old Sneezer? How are your folks? Don't you find yourself comfortable?

Pussy.—Siss-ss-siss-ss! Mee-ow? mee-ow!

Fifth Sparrow.—Oh! wouldn't you like to, though? Spit away, old fellow! It's music to us sparrows.

Sixth Sparrow.—You are the brute that killed my dear little Spotted-wing.

Seventh Sparrow.—He also murdered my precious little Twitterwit.

Eighth Sparrow.—He is a bad fellow; and it is not surprising he has come to grief.

Ninth Sparrow.—Pull away, old boy! Sha'n't we come and help you? I love you so, I would like a lock of your hair.

Tenth Sparrow (the one on the lowest bough).—Children, hush! It is not good sparrow morality to jeer at an enemy in affliction,—even a cat.

Fifth Sparrow.—O grandfather, you shut up your bill! Just you go within reach of his claws, and see what cat-gratitude is.

Tenth Sparrow.—My children, we must not exult over the pains even of an enemy. A cat has feelings.

Pussy.—Siss-hiss-hoo! Mee-ow! Fitt! Fitt!

Fifth Sparrow.—What a lovely voice!

Sixth Sparrow.—The expression of his face, too, how charming!

Tenth Sparrow.—Fly back, all of you, to your bushes and trees; for here comes a little boy who will see that Pussy is rescued.

First Sparrow.—Well, I wouldn't have missed this spectacle for a good deal.

Fifth Sparrow.—It is better than Barnum's exhibition any day.

First Sparrow.—Yes, and it costs us nothing.

Tenth Sparrow.—There! Fly away, all of you! Fly away! You have said enough. I am ashamed of you all. You ought to know better than to be revengful. You are quite as bad as boys and men.

Fifth Sparrow.—Grandfather is getting to be abusive. Let us fly off. Good-by, Pussy! Pull away!

Alfred Selwyn.

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The Nursery, July 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 1

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"TOUCH MY CHICKS IF YOU DARE!"

THE CATCHER CAUGHT

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