Edward’s father now put him in the carriage, and they proceeded on their journey.  For the first few miles Edward could think of nothing but the squirrel, the bird, and the pleasant spot where he had been looking at them.  Then he began to think of the friends he was going to see, and wondered what his cousins would say, and how they would look when they saw him.

A short time before sunset, they stopped before a neat and pretty cottage, with a large yard before it; in which two rosy boys and a sweet little girl were playing together.

“There, Edward,” said his mother, “are your cousins, William, George, and Ann, all clapping their hands with joy at seeing us; and there is aunt Harriet just coming to the door with her baby in her arms.”

Oh, what a joyful time these little cousins had.  Edward told all the wonders he had seen, and William and George told of many more that they would show him.  George said he should ride on his little pony, and William promised to show him all his pet rabbits, while Ann insisted that he would be delighted to see her pretty chickens, and to go to her play-room, and see her dolls.

Before dark, Edward’s aunt called the children to supper, and they all sat down to the table, where Mrs. Wilson gave them some nice new bread, and fresh butter, with some beautiful honey in the honey-comb, such as Edward had never seen before.  He was quite hungry, as well as much fatigued with his day’s ride, and as soon as he had finished his supper, he went into the parlor, and kissing his parents, he bade them and all his friends good night, and retired to rest.  But before he got into bed, he knelt down and thanked god for taking care of him through the day, and prayed that He would protect and care for him through the night.

The next morning the children were all up early, and Edward went out with his cousins to see William’s rabbits.  He was delighted with the beautiful little animals, and asked a great many questions about them, which William kindly answered.  He admired them so much that he could hardly be persuaded to leave them, till Ann told him he would not be as obedient as the young rabbits were, if he did not go in at once, for her mother had twice called them to go in and get their breakfasts.

Just as Edward had finished his breakfast, he looked out and saw a beautiful bird sitting on the branch of a young apple-tree, eating the tender buds, and singing most sweetly.

[Illustration:  The Bullfinch.]

“There is that mischievous bullfinch again,” said Mr. Wilson; “if I do not drive him away, I shall never have an apple on that favorite young tree of mine.”  Then he took down his gun and went into the garden, followed by the children.  But Mr. Wilson was a kind man and would not harm a living thing.  So he pointed the gun away from the bird and fired.  The loud report not only frightened the bird, but startled little