So little Kingfisher, not knowing just how to thank the great bird, said something about going home to supper.
"Just so, just so," clacked Professor Crane.
And the two birds flew up and away, Kingfisher to his nest in the tree-top, and the learned Professor to his books and studies.
[IV]
MR. MOCKING-BIRD AND HIS PRIZE SONG
A very little squirrel, who was but a month old, was looking out across an orchard from the top of a high tree. It was early morning and the sun had just risen, so that everything was sparkling with dew, and the air was cool and sweet to breathe.
He rubbed his fat cheeks with his paws and sat very straight on his haunches, looking his best and trying to sing, for he wanted very much to say something by way of letting the world know what he thought of it. Feeling as he did, so exceedingly happy, he wished to join the lovely sounds around him, for birds were singing everywhere, and even the river at the foot of the orchard had a song.
So the little squirrel made all the noise he could, which is just what the children do when they have all day to play and the sky is blue and clear above the fields.
But just as he paused for breath he heard his words repeated from another tree. Somebody was mocking him, word for word, and making a very ridiculous thing of his happy little song. His tail bristled with anger, and he ran higher in the tree to get a better view of his neighbor. He would teach another squirrel to mock him! No living creature could he see, but he heard a bluebird call, and then, as if to insult him, came again his own exultant chirp, chirp-chee, chee, chee, chee, and after it a perfect flood of laughter, just like the silly notes of the little owl who sits up all night to laugh at the moon.