The boy did not know what the bird was saying. "Out of my path, you
stupid creature!" he cried, flinging a stone at it. But the little
bird flew away into the forest, where he was quite safe. When at last
the boy reached the pond, there sat the same great green frog who
croaked in the same great hoarse voice:--

"Fill it with moss and fill it with clay,
And carry a basketful away."

But the boy did not know what the frog was saying. "Out of my way, you
ugly creature!" he cried, flinging a stone at it. The great frog
jumped back into the water, where he was quite safe. The second boy
covered the bottom of the basket with leaves, thinking that they would
keep the water from running out; then he filled it to the very brim.
But, though he too ran all the way home, not a single drop of water was
left inside the basket when he reached his father.

Now, at last, it was Dunny's turn; but the two elder brothers teased
him, saying, "Of what use is it for such a stupid as you to try, when
we, who are so much more clever than you, have failed?"

As Dunny walked quickly toward the pond, the same little bird hopped
along the path in front of him, and in the same sweet voice sang:--

"Fill it with moss and fill it with clay,
And carry a basketful away."

Now Dunny was very fond of all the wild creatures of the woods and
fields, and often spent long hours in their company; and he knew what
the little bird was saying. And he was never happier than when playing