“When are the children coming?” asked Dame Oak.
“Oh, to be sure! I must not forget to send them word that I am here. Robin Redbreast, will you take a message of Spring to the children? I’m sure they will want to see the lovely blossoms and hear the sweet birds’ songs.”
“Lady Spring,” said Robin, “I’m afraid I cannot go to-day. You see my mate and I are building a soft warm nest in Oak-Tree. We are very late this year.”
“To be sure, Robin. I wonder where I can find a messenger.”
“I think Red Fox would go for you,” answered Robin Redbreast. “See, here he comes now.”
“Will you take word to the children that I have come, Reynard?” asked Lady Spring.
“Oh, I should be glad to go, but the people might think I came to steal their chickens. I believe Black Bear would be a better messenger than any of us. I’ll run and ask him to go.”
But Reynard brought back the answer that Black Bear was afraid he would frighten the children too much.
“What shall I do for a messenger,” sighed Lady Spring.