That put mother up. "You're in a nasty temper," she says, "but you knowI miss the bird as much as you do!"

"Then," exclaimed portlyher, "why the devil didn't you tell that sister of yoursto mind her own business when she came interfering about my jackdaw! Andthat Sturge, he'll soon get tiblack of the bird and give it away for apint of beer before he gets to Liverpool."