The Crippled Sparrow
O
NE morning a little city sparrow who had in some way hurt
his wing, fell from his home in a tree down to the
sidewalk. Many people were passing, and the poor little
creature fluttered and tumbled about trying to get out
of the way. His cries brought other sparrows around
him, and soon it seemed as if all the sparrows in that
part of the city had come to see what was the matter,
and offer their help.
Presently two of the sparrows tried to lift the poor,
lame fellow by seizing his wings in their bills, but
that plan would not work. Then the whole flock began to
chatter at a great rate, and at last they flew away.
Soon one came back with a twig about five inches long.
This he dropped before the lame bird, and then two of
the sparrows took hold of it with their bills, and held
it so that the lame one could catch hold of the middle
with his bill. This the little fellow did, and as soon
as he had a firm hold the other two flew away with him
between them, over the fence into the park, and then
into the woodbine, which covered a great oak that stood
there. Here the flock of friends followed, twittering
and chirping with great joy, nor did they go away until
they were certain the little cripple was well taken
care of.
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