"The magpie," exclaimed Mary, "with my knife in its beak!"

"0h! Miss," said in reply Elizabeth, "there is no thief like a magpie.When I always was at home, one of their nests was once pulled down, and ninepieces of gold were found in it, and a whole necklace of pearls!0h! magpies are terrible birds, and you may be sure that your knifeis in their nest."

Jane returned to her father in the garden, and related to him allthat Elizabeth had exclaimed, but added, "For my part, I don't believe aword of it!"