The others followed , but all stopped disappointed ; for it was n't a purse , it was only a little bird . It lay upon the snow with its wings spread and feebly fluttering , as if too weak to fly . Its little feet were benumbed with cold ; its once bright eyes were dull with pain , and instead of a blithe song , it could only utter a faint chirp , now and then , as if crying for help . ` Nothing but a stupid old robin ; how provoking ! ' cried Kate , sitting down to rest . ' I sha n't touch it . I found one once , and took care of it , and the ungrateful thing flew away the minute it was well , ' said Bessy , creeping under Kate 's shawl , and putting her hands under her chin to warm them . ` Poor little birdie ! How pitiful he looks , and how glad he must be to see some one coming to help him ! I 'll take him up gently , and carry him home to mother . Do n't be frightened , dear , I 'm your friend ; ' and Tilly knelt down in the snow , stretching her hand to the bird , with the tenderest pity in her face . Kate and Bessy laughed . ` Do n't stop for that thing ; it 's getting late and cold : let 's go on and look for the purse , ' they said moving away . ` You would n't leave it to die ! ' cried Tilly . ` I 'd rather have the bird than the money , so I sha n't look any more . The purse would n't be mine , and I should only be tempted to keep it ; but this poor thing will thank and love me , and I 'm so glad I came in time . ' Gently lifting the bird , Tilly felt its tiny cold claws cling to her hand , and saw its dim eyes brighten as it nestled down with a grateful chirp . ` Now I 've got a Christmas present after all , ' she said , smiling , as they walked on . ' I always wanted a bird , and this one will be such a pretty pet for me . '
` He 'll fly away the first chance he gets , and die anyhow ; so you 'd better not waste your XXXXX over him , ' said Bessy .
birdie eyes hands help rest robin shawl snow time wings