“Vegetable garden several times this Spring, already,” laughed Mary Frances. “Maybe if he knew how much you wanted to help with this surprise garden of mine, he would be kinder to you.”
“He’s kind enough,” said Feather Flop, “but I’m not anxious to know him much better yet a while. So I’ll ask you not to mention me.”
“All right,” agreed Mary Frances, “I think I understand. But Billy wouldn’t hurt you.”
“Do you really wish me to help you, Miss Mary Frances?” asked the rooster.
“I certainly do, Feather Flop,” said the little girl; “if you will be so kind.”
She could scarcely keep from laughing at how pleased and proud he looked.
“Then, let us take a look at the garden plot,” he said, leading the way to the front of Mary Frances’ play house.
“I’ll set right to work,” said Feather Flop, beginning to scratch, “right to work, and dig the whole afternoon, and early to-morrow morning, too.”
“Don’t work too hard,” said the little girl. “I think I ought to help you.”
“Oh, no, little Miss,” answered Feather Flop. “Why, see what’s done already.”