They grew tired of sitting still, for they were anxious to be on their way.
Spider Eyes said, “He does not see us. I am going to ask him. Bird, bird! Oh, kind bird! Little brown bird, covered with red and white spots, tell, oh tell us, the way to the beautiful world. We have flown east for many days, and just as we think we are nearing the beautiful world we find it gone. Tell, oh tell us, if this is the way, the only true way, to the beautiful world.”
The brown bird ceased his call and listened to Spider Eyes. Then he shook himself and said:
“You are wrong, all wrong. You are going the wrong way. Ha, ha! who ever heard of the beautiful world lying in the east! Every one knows it lies in the west. Why, now, look there! While I speak, see the gates to the beautiful world opening up.”
They turned and looked, and saw, surely, the gates of the beautiful world; and they all said again:
“Mr. Bird do—do—tell us the way to the beautiful world. It cannot be far off now. See how large the gates are and how bright the gold shines! We could not see it if it were so far away.”
“Well,” answered the bird, “I have never been there. I am off for a fly, however, and I do not mind seeing you started on the right way. I hope you will reach it safely. When you come back you will find me here, resting near my nest. Then you can tell me all about it. Perhaps I would like to go, too.”
Off they flew, with the whip-poor-will as captain.
On one side flew Spider Eyes and Chip Wing; on the other, Pointed Toes and Dusty Cap.