Alone on the long, dark road
CHAPTER X
THE END OF THE LONELY ROAD
There had been no arrangement made for Ready’s supper, as the Eagle had expected him to be home by dark. At first Ready was so relieved to be alone and have no one to delay him, that he gave no thought at all to supper.
It was wonderful to be free, to have no animal or bird to entertain, to be able to go on and on rapidly along a straight road.
But after a time, this going on and on grew a little difficult. Thoughts of supper would keep coming. Little side roads kept beckoning to him and whispering, “This way for food.” Then he commenced to feel the pain in his leg, but did not dare to stop and rest for fear he would be too lame to get up again.
So on through the darkness little Ready ran, keeping his eyes straight before him, never stopping a moment, so great was his fear of losing his head or falling asleep.
“I must try to keep the courage that dear old Shaggy Dog has given me,” he said to himself.
Then there came to him these lines:
“Instead of a moan, say ‘Soon I’ll be home’.” Much to his surprise he found himself adding: