The Song of the Cardinal
by Gene Stratton-Porter




IN LOVING TRIBUTE
TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER

MARK STRATTON


"For him every work of God manifested a new and heretofore
unappreciated loveliness."




Chapter 1


"Good cheer! Good cheer!" exulted the Cardinal


He darted through the orange orchard searching for slugs for his
breakfast, and between whiles he rocked on the branches and rang
over his message of encouragement to men. The song of the
Cardinal was overflowing with joy, for this was his holiday, his
playtime. The southern world was filled with brilliant sunshine,
gaudy flowers, an abundance of fruit, myriads of insects, and