straight sweep, until with a throb of triumph in his heart, he
arose in his course, and from far overhead, flung down a boastful
challenge to the king and his followers, as he sailed above them
and was lost from sight.

It was still dusky with the darkness of night when he crossed the
Limberlost, dropping low enough to see its branches laid bare, to
catch a gleam of green in its swelling buds, and to hear the
wavering chorus of its frogs. But there was no hesitation in his
flight. Straight and sure he winged his way toward the shining
river; and it was only a few more miles until the rolling waters
of its springtime flood caught his eye. Dropping precipitately,
he plunged his burning beak into the loved water; then he flew
into a fine old stag sumac and tucked his head under his wing for
a short rest. He had made the long flight in one unbroken sweep,
and he was sleepy. In utter content he ruffled his feathers and
closed his eyes, for he was beside the shining river; and it
would be another season before the orange orchard would ring
again with his "Good Cheer! Good Cheer!"



Chapter 2

"Wet year! Wet year!" prophesied the Cardinal


The sumac seemed to fill his idea of a perfect location from the
very first. He perched on a limb, and between dressing his
plumage and pecking at last year's sour dried berries, he sent