“Extraordinary!” said all the animals, one after the other, and even the hens cackled, “extraordinary!”
“Your age,” said the Eagle.
“Eleven months, Your Majesty,” Ready answered bravely.
But when it came to address and telephone number, Ready gathered up all his courage and plunged at once into his sad little story.
Everyone was much interested. Several times the Eagle leaned forward and said, “Louder.” Then all the hens cackled, “Louder.”
Ready was much excited, though it hurt his throat to pitch his voice so high. You see he was not at all used to public speaking.
However, if you had been there, you would have known that he was making a good impression. It was noticed by many of the animals that the Eagle once put his handkerchief to his eyes.
There was a great silence when Ready finished speaking. Then the Eagle rose upon his throne, flapped his wings, and spoke in a strangely gentle voice.
He said, “The wish of this dog shall be granted at once.”
Everybody cheered wildly.