“Jump into my ear, then,” said the bold Blackbird, “and I will take you with me.”
So the Cat climbed into the Blackbird’s ear, curled up and went to sleep; the Blackbird marched on beating upon his drum.
Further down the road he met some Ants.
“Where are you going, Mr. Blackbird?” asked the Ants.
“I am going to fight against the King,” answered the bold Blackbird, “for he has stolen my wife and shut her up in a cage.”
“We will join you,” said the Ants, “for the King poured hot water down our hole.”
“Jump into my ear,” said the Blackbird.
So they jumped in, and away went the Blackbird beating upon his drum.
Next the Blackbird met a Rope and a Club, and when they heard that he was going to fight against the King, they jumped into his ear, and away they all went together.
Not far from the palace of the King, the Blackbird had to cross over a river.