Their delight was proportionably great when, a few minutes later, the sentinel sang out from his post,
"Here comes Flaps, like the mail!
And he's waving his tail."
"Well, dear, dear Flaps!" they all cackled as he came trotting up, "where is our new home, and what is it like?"
"Will there be plenty to eat?" asked the cocks with one crow.
"Plenty," replied Flaps.
"Shall we be safe from mice, owls, wild beasts, and wild men?" cried the hens.
"You will," answered Flaps.
"Is it far, dear Flaps?"
"It is very near," said Flaps; "but I may as well tell you the truth at once—it's a farmyard."
"Oh!—" said all the fowls.