In vain did Jimmy entreat me to let him gather them up.

I helped, and saw, to my bewilderment, that all the letters were addressed in childish hands to "Uncle Jim, care of Editor of _Mothers Pets_." It was impossible that Jimmy could have so many nephews and nieces.
Seeing that I had him, Jimmy advanced to the hearth-rug as if about to make his statement; then changed his mind and, thrusting a dozen of the letters into my hands, invited me to read.

The first letter ran: "Dearest Uncle Jim,--I must tell you about my canary.

I love my canary very much.

It is a yellow canary, and it sings so sweetly.