short, and their wings ached with unaccustomed flight; but
because of the trips to the river, the Cardinal was stronger than
the others, and he easily kept abreast of the king. In the early
morning, even before the robins were awake, the king settled in
the Everglades. But the Cardinal had lost all liking for swamp
life, so he stubbornly set out alone, and in a short time he had
found another river. It was not quite so delightful as the
shining river; but still it was beautiful, and on its gently
sloping bank was an orange orchard. There the Cardinal rested,
and found a winter home after his heart's desire.

The following morning, a golden-haired little girl and an old man
with snowy locks came hand in hand through the orchard. The
child saw the redbird and immediately claimed him, and that same
day the edict went forth that a very dreadful time was in store
for any one who harmed or even frightened the Cardinal. So in
security began a series of days that were pure delight. The
orchard was alive with insects, attracted by the heavy odours,
and slugs infested the bark. Feasting was almost as good as in
the Limberlost, and always there was the river to drink from and
to splash in at will.

In those days the child and the old man lingered for hours in the
orchard, watching the bird that every day seemed to grow bigger
and brighter. What a picture his coat, now a bright cardinal
red, made against the waxy green leaves! How big and brilliant
he seemed as he raced and darted in play among the creamy
blossoms! How the little girl stood with clasped hands
worshipping him, as with swelling throat he rocked on the highest
spray and sang his inspiring chorus over and over: "Good Cheer!