I remember he put his face as close to mine as I am to you,
but in the most gentlemanly manner, and murmured so softly,
"'Excuse me--there's just one of those lovely little feathers the least
bit in the world--'
"I believe it was actually between his lips, when we were interrupted,
and I had to put it tidy myself. But we might all be plucked as bare as
poor young Scratchfoot before Flaps would think of smoothing us down.
Just hear how he snores! Ah! it's a trying world, but I never complain."
"I do, though," said the chief hen. "I'm not one to put up with neglect.
Hi, there! are you asleep?" And scratching a bit of the rough bark off
the walnut-tree, she let it drop on to Flaps' nose.
"I'm awake," said Flaps; "what's the matter?"
"I never knew any one snore when he was awake before," said the hen; and
all the young cockerels chuckled.
"Well, I believe I was napping," said Flaps. "Damp weather always makes
me sleepy, and I was dreaming of the old farmyard."
"Poor old farm!" sighed Hen No. 2. "We had board and lodging there, at
any rate."
"And now we've neither," said Hen No. 1. "Mr. Flaps, do you know that
we're wet to the skin, and dying of starvation, whilst you put your nose
into your great-coat pocket and go to sleep?"
"You're right," said Flaps.
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