The Muley Cow couldn't help thinking how pleasant it was to be among such kind companions.
"If you'll take care not to step on us we'll catch these flies that are biting you," another offered.
"Thank you!" said the Muley Cow. "You're very good to do that for an old lady like me."
The cowbirds all laughed harshly at that. Though the Muley Cow didn't see any joke, she smiled in spite of herself. At least, the cowbirds had said nothing about her poke. And that was certainly worth a smile.
In the past the Muley Cow had known plenty of cowbirds. But she had paid little heed to them, unless it was to tell them to fly away, for they were always hovering around a body's feet.
It wasn't long before the flock had caught every one of the flies that had been following the Muley Cow. And when the last one had been gobbled up—after a slight dispute as to who should have it—the cowbirds left the Muley Cow abruptly. And they seemed to have lost all their politeness before they went.
"They're shy—that's all," the Muley Cow thought. "They hurried away before I could thank them."