IX
JOHNNY CHUCK FINDS A USE FOR HIS BACK DOOR
Johnny Chuck sat in his doorway looking over the Green Meadows. He felt very fine. He had had a good breakfast in the sweet-clover patch. He had had a good nap on his own doorstep. By and by he saw the Merry Little Breezes of old Mother West Wind hurrying in his direction. They seemed in a very great hurry. They didn't stop to kiss the buttercups or tease the daisies. Johnny pricked up his small ears and watched them hurry up the hill.
"Good morning, Johnny Chuck," panted the first Merry Little Breeze to reach him, "have you heard the news?"
"What news?" asked Johnny Chuck.
"The news about old Mother Chuck," replied the Merry Little Breezes.
Johnny shook his head.
"No," said he. "What is it?"
The Merry Little Breezes grew very, very sober.