A short time before he had dug a long passage through the ground from his own house to that of his neighbour; in this he gave the field-mouse and Thumbelina permission to walk as often as they liked. But he begged them not to be afraid of the dead bird that lay in the passage. Thumbelina was very sorry, for she was very fond of all little birds.Thumbelina bent down to the bird, and kissed his closed eyes gently.
Later, she plaited a great big blanket and spread it over the dead bird, so that the poor little thing should lie warmly buried. Then she laid her head against the bird's heart. But the bird was not dead: he had been frozen, but now that she had warmed him, he was coming to life again. Thumbelina was so amazed to see the bird was alive!
'Thank you, pretty little child!' said the swallow to her. 'I am so beautifully warm! Soon I shall regain my strength, and then I shall be able to fly out again into the warm sunshine.'
