“Now, Feather Flop, I think I’ve told you almost everything. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
Mary Frances had been listening with all her ears.
“My, there are things I’d like to know,” she thought. “How I wish he’d talk to me!”
“No,” said Feather Flop in a crestfallen voice, “I don’t think of any. I certainly must acknowledge that you are usefuller than I thought!”
“Thanks! All right!” replied the toad, taking a hop.
“Hold on, please, Hoppy!” Mary Frances ventured to call.
The toad turned.
“Please, Mr. Hop Toad,” she begged, “please will you tell me something? I’ve overheard your wonderful story. If it is not too inquisitive, may I ask why your throat puffs all the time?”
“Certainly, certainly,” croaked the toad, “my voice is hoarse, Miss, but I’ll do my best to answer. You see, we toads have no ribs to use when we breathe, so we have to swallow every bit of air we use.”
“Oh,” said Mary Frances, “that is it. I am so much obliged to you for telling me. Here is a fish-worm—or do you call them angle-worms, or earth-worms?—for you!”