Everything seemed to be going very well indeed, and Ready’s heart was full of hope. The sun was getting higher and higher and he knew that it would soon be noon.
The Swallows had stopped a few minutes to rest on a telephone wire and Ready was panting a little on the ground below, when suddenly a splash was heard in a pond near by. This was followed by a great sputtering and twittering and a call for help. Father Swallow looked quickly about and saw that his youngest child was missing.
“Oh, why did I ever let him come?” moaned Father Swallow, as he flew to the rescue. “He has only just learned to fly, and I fear his wings have given out.”
In a moment they were all around the pond, and sure enough, there was Fluffy Forked Tail in the water. Fortunately he had managed to climb up on a big lily leaf, or he would have been drowned before any help arrived.
Ready swam in at once and let poor Fluffy get on his back. In a few moments both were safe on the shore, with all the other swallows twittering about them.
Ready swam in and let poor Fluffy get on his back
There was a family consultation at once, and then Father Swallow said to Ready: “My child is suffering from nervous exhaustion, and I fear we must consult a physician at once. I have heard that there is a good doctor among the Barn Swallows about half a mile from here. I am sending my two oldest sons over there to try to find him. The other two children are making a bed for poor little Fluffy, and I must stay by his side and fan him until the doctor comes.
“This is a most unfortunate delay for you, Ready, but I fear that it would be impossible for you to find your way alone.”
Ready felt very much disheartened, for this delay might spoil everything. The Field Mouse might grow tired of waiting. The Sandpiper might fly home again, and then how could he ever get to his dear master’s home? Indeed, he almost broke down, so great was his disappointment.