Mister Ward came whizzing across the bridge, his new automobile loaded with guns and axes. He stopped to chop me down! But Ginger came frisking along just then and barked so loud it scared him and his automobile away.
Old Mister Hawk came walking along the far bank of the creek, leading his mule to get water. She saw me and blinked her eyes and gave her tail a swish. Before I could say anything, though, Mister Hawk took her away without even looking up. All he said was, "Let's go, Nellie."
Then, three kings on bay horses came galloping by, their calico robes rippling in the wind, their laughter ringing through the woods.
"Pick some presents!" I called.
All whirled around and came back, and they gathered fine gifts from my boughs-enough to fill their saddlebags.
"Where are you going in such a rush?"
"To see the Holy Babe!" they cried.
"Why not take me?" I asked.
"Yeah! Let's take the whole tree!"
So, with merry shouts, they pulled me up and carried me away to the Holy Babe in the hay box.