After a pleasant little chat, the Woodpecker told Ready that he would have time for a fifteen minute nap, and promised to call him. You remember the Eagle had told him that he might be able to manage a half hour’s rest at this place.
A Red Headed Woodpecker rang the breakfast bell
So after his good breakfast, Ready was very glad to stretch himself out on the ground. He was sound asleep in three seconds and oh, how he did hate to get up when the Woodpecker first tapped! He was very tired and his feet ached dreadfully, but after the third “punk, penk, pink,” Ready remembered what it was all about and was on his feet at once.
“The Swallows should be here by this time,” said the Woodpecker, in a troubled voice. “I think I must telephone to find out what is the matter.”
After he had hung up the receiver, which was hidden in a curled-up oak leaf, the Woodpecker said: “Bad news, indeed. One of the mother swallows has a frightful pain and cannot be left alone.”
Then Ready knew why he had carried the Frog’s hot-water bag all this time. He had wanted very much to drop it on the way as it had been so warm and heavy. Moreover, some large bats had called out as he passed, “What is it? What is it?”
He now went at once to Mother Swallow’s house, which was in the hollow of a tree near by, and put the hot-water bag on her pain. You have no idea of the relief it gave her. Wasn’t it good that Ready had not thrown it away?
Mother Swallow was then quite willing to have Father Swallow and the children go on with Ready. Even Fluffy Forked Tail, the youngest in the family, went along.
Ready and the Swallows soon made up for lost time. The Swallows were very polite, always waiting for Ready and flying low to show him the way.