Besides this, the Bluebird made his nest in a hole in the top of the old gate post, and what have those people done but put up a new post with _no hole in it_!" "Dear! dear! Think of it, _think_ of it!" sang the Bluebird softly, taking his place on the wire with the others.
"What if these people should bring children with them," continued Barney, who had not finished airing his grievances--"little BOYS and CATS! Children who might climb up to our nests and steal our eggs, boys with _guns_ perhaps, and striped cats which no one can see, with feet that make no sound, and _such_ claws and teeth--it makes me shiver to think of it." And all the birds shook so that the wire quivered and the Bank Swallow fell off, or would have fallen, if he had not spread his wings and saved himself.
The Martin had nothing to say to this, but the little Bank Swallow, though somewhat shaken up, whispered, "There _may_ be children who do not rob nests, and other boys like Rap, who would never shoot us.

Cats are always sad things for birds, but these House People may not keep any!" And then he moved down a wire or two, frightened at having given his opinion.
At that moment a Chimney Swift joined the group.

This Swift, who nests in chimneys, is the sooty-colored bird that flies and feeds on the wing like a Swallow, and when he is in the air looks like a big spruce cone with wings.

He was followed by a Catbird, who had been in a honeysuckle, by one of the farmhouse windows, and peeped inside out of curiosity.
Both were excited and evidently bubbling over with news, which half the birds of the orchard were following them to hear.

"I know all about it," cried the Swift, settling himself for a long talk.
"I've _seen_ the House People!" screamed the Catbird.
"They wish well to the Bird People, and we shall be happier than before!" squeaked the Swift, breathless and eager.