“What a shame! Can’t you get back again to your friend at Lake George?” cried the boy.
“Yes, for Queen Xanthine is dead, and I can now return in safety, if you will help me,” replied the bird.
“Me! how can I help you?” answered little Tim.
“I will tell you” rejoined the elfin. “You must know, boy, that every one of us could help each other if we would. The rich can help the poor, and the poor the wealthy; yea, even the smallest [[78]]can render assistance to the strong and powerful, as was the case with the lion and the mouse. Now, I can prove how I can render you a service. Judge. Didn’t the master say he would set you a task in the morning?”
“He did,” replied Tim in wonder.
“Very well. The task is to milk a bad-tempered, touchy old cow called ‘Peggy.’ The beast, who is a splendid milker, is the torment and plague of the farmer’s life. She has kicked him until he is afraid to approach her, and every one, man, woman, and boy, who attempts to milk Peggy is sure to be upset. It has proved useless to tie her by the leg and the tail—the wicked rogue would find a way of defeating her enemies before the milking was ended.”
“Are you sure that I shall have to try to milk Peggy in the morning?” inquired Tim.
“Quite certain,” replied the elfin.
“Then I—I think I had better go away now, at once, before the morning, don’t you?” said the lad ruefully.
“No, I don’t, because I can tell you how to overcome the antics of this refractory cow.”