“How will this do?”
“Colonel Claw presents his compliments to General Grosbeak. He begs to state that Emily Templeton’s birthday is a week from today, and craves his kind permission to issue a proclamation to Night-Hawks, Whippoorwills, and other insect-destroyers to stay away from Templeton Gardens on the evening of that day, as it is hoped that the insect choir will take part in the celebration of Emily’s birthday.”
“That is excellent,” said Captain Featherweight, “but do you think he will grant your request?”
“He’ll know,” said Colonel Claw, “that I wouldn’t have asked this for Emily if anything had happened to the bluebirds’ house.”
Then Colonel Claw departed, saying that he hoped to be able soon to show Captain Featherweight General Grosbeak’s reply.
After he had gone, the Captain called his elves together to decide what they should give Emily for a birthday present.
“I move that we give her a violin, so that she can have music wherever she goes,” said Tono.
“A violin isn’t music,” said Owly, “and how could she have music wherever she goes when she can’t even play a note? You’re so unpractical, Tono. Let’s hear a suggestion from some one else.”
“I suggest a book of poems,” said Rhymo, “and I’ll add some of my own. A book never gets out of tune, and is a constant source of delight.”
“That depends entirely on the book,” said Owly, who didn’t at all approve of Rhymo’s suggestion.