"I'm awake," said Flaps; "what's the matter?"
"I never knew any one snore when he was awake before," said the hen; and all the young cockerels chuckled.
"Well, I believe I was napping," said Flaps. "Damp weather always makes me sleepy, and I was dreaming of the old farmyard."
"Poor old farm!" sighed Hen No. 2. "We had board and lodging there, at any rate."
"And now we've neither," said Hen No. 1. "Mr. Flaps, do you know that we're wet to the skin, and dying of starvation, whilst you put your nose into your great-coat pocket and go to sleep?"
"You're right," said Flaps. "Something must be done this evening. But I see no use in taking the whole community about in the rain. We will send out another expedition."
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" screamed the three wise ones; "that means that we're to face the storm whilst you have another nap, eh?"
"It seems an odd thing," said the chief cock, scratching his comb with his claw, "that Flaps never thinks of going himself on these expeditions."
"You're right," said Flaps. "It is an odd thing, for times out of mind I've heard our old friend, the farmer, say, 'If you want a thing done—Go; if not—Send.' This time I shall go. Cuddle close to each other, and keep up your spirits. I'll find us a good home yet."
The fowls were much affected by Flaps' magnanimity, and with one voice they cried: "Thank you, dear Flaps. Whatever you decide upon will do for us."