I've often had them run along in front of me on the beach, piping as sad as if they were telling me how little and helpless they were, and begging me to ask folks not to shoot them." Then Olaf pushed up the creek a little further, hoping to be able to land or else reach some Marsh Wrens' nests from the boat.

But one nest was all they could find--a ball of grasses fastened between two cat-tail flags.

Olaf cut the stalks carefully and presented it to Dodo, much to her delight.

Then he paddled back to the river, where they found Olive waiting with some beautiful pitcher-plants in her hands, while their uncle said that he had in his handkerchief a strange plant, that ate insects.

But Dodo thought that he was joking, and as soon as they were in the sharpie she whispered: "Uncle Roy, you must tell me four tables--Olaf knows the birds by sight, but he doesn't make them sound as distinct as you do in the telling." [Illustration: Least Sandpiper.] "So missy is flattering her old bird man! Well, tell me the names, for I suppose you can remember them." "Oh yes--but come to think of it, I don't think Olaf said what the Wise Men call these birds.