What’s New on the Line?

As usual, the hawthorn near the old farmhouse was buzzing with excitement. The birds were twittering, chasing each other and playing with such verve that the whole hedge was shaking. One of the sparrows in this restless flock was Sidney, who never missed out when there was fun to be had.

“Let’s fly over to visit the chickens and get some grain!” Sidney called out, and the others all followed him. Sidney also loved inviting his friends along for dirt baths and splashing in the puddles, challenging them to acrobatics competitions with the flies near the cowshed, and holding contests with them for the most beautiful song. With Sidney, the flock was never bored, and the cheery, playful sparrows provided great entertainment for all the residents of the little mountain village.

One day, the sparrows needed a little breather amid all their antics, so they spent a few moments perched in a row on a nearby telegraph line. The electric signals from inside the cable tickled Sidney's feet so pleasantly that he didn’t want to leave! And what’s more, while he was perched there, he discovered a really interesting thing. Through the tickles in his feet, he could “read” messages that people were sending over the line.

“The mayor says that there was a wasp’s nest in the well on the green, and the fire brigade was called to remove it! And next Sunday there will be the annual village fair!”

This was fascinating. People were writing and talking to each other over the electric lines, and Sidney could easily find out what it was all about!

From then on, Sidney lost interest in everything else. All he wanted to do was sit on the line and find out the latest news. No more…