The bird with its beautiful yellow plumage,
its clear, brilliant, coal-black eyes, afforded Albert much pleasure.
Soon the bird became tame, flew upon Albert's outstretched finger and
ate seeds from his lips.
Whenever Albert wrote, the bird would alight on his penholder and peck
his fingers. Though he enjoyed the bird's presence and tricks, yet he
was obliged at times to cage him, in order to carry on his work
undisturbed. Later, when the bird began to sing, Albert could not praise
it enough.
"You must teach it to whistle nice songs," said the old shepherd one
day.
Albert thought the old man was joking. He did not yet know that one can
teach a bird to imitate. The old man then brought out a flute and
presented it to him.
"Oh, what a fine flute! How glad I am to own one," said Albert.
The old shepherd took the flute, played a waltz upon it, and showed
Albert how to use the stops, Albert was pleased with the light, clear
tones of the flute, and as he had talent for music and had a good ear,
he soon mastered the difficulties of the instrument.
Often he played tirelessly for the bird and always a song which his
father had taught him. After striving for hours and days and weeks to
teach the bird, lo! his wonderful patience was rewarded. The bird began
to sing the song, and sang it through without a mistake.
[Illustration: "Soon the bird became tame and flew upon Albert's
outstretched finger."]
Albert leaped with joy and thanks. He praised the bird, over and over
again, and rewarded it with lettuce, apple and hemp seed.
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