"One can't have too many friends," thought Drakesbill. Then he said, "Certainly I will take you; but you have such long wooden legs that you will soon get tired. So make yourself very small, get into my mouth, creep under my tongue—and I will carry you."
The Ladder thanked him, made herself very small, and went to keep company with friend Fox.
Then Drakesbill was off again, spruce and fresh as any dapper little dandy, and singing, "Quack, quack, quack, when shall I get my money back?"
He had not gone far when he met his sweetheart, laughing River, wandering quietly in the sunshine.
"Good morning, my spoonbill," she said, "whither do you go, so happy and slow, while the soft breezes blow?"
"I am going to the King, you know, for he owes me money, and I want him to pay me back."
"Oh, take me with you!"
"One can't have too many friends," thought Drakesbill. Then he said: "Certainly I will take you; but you always sleep while you run, and you will soon get tired. So make yourself very small, get into my mouth, creep under my tongue—and I will carry you."
The River thanked him very kindly, and then, glou! glou! glou! she went to take her place between friend Fox and friend Ladder.
And Drakesbill was off again, spruce and fresh as a busy bee, and singing, "Quack, quack, quack, when shall I get my money back?"