into the black muck of Rainbow Bottom.

It was in this lovely spot that the rainbow at last materialized,
and at its base, free to all humanity who cared to seek, the
Great Alchemist had left His rarest treasures--the gold of
sunshine, diamond water-drops, emerald foliage, and sapphire sky.

For good measure, there were added seeds, berries, and insects
for the birds; and wild flowers, fruit, and nuts for the
children. Above all, the sycamore waved its majestic head.

It made a throne that seemed suitable for the son of the king;
and mounting to its topmost branch, for miles the river carried
his challenge: "Ho, cardinals! Look this way! Behold me! Have you
seen any other of so great size? Have you any to equal my grace?
Who can whistle so loud, so clear, so compelling a note? Who will
fly to me for protection? Who will come and be my mate?"

He flared his crest high, swelled his throat with rolling notes,
and appeared so big and brilliant that among the many cardinals
that had gathered to hear, there was not one to compare with him.

Black envy filled their hearts. Who was this flaming dashing
stranger, flaunting himself in the faces of their females? There
were many unmated cardinals in Rainbow Bottom, and many jealous
males. A second time the Cardinal, rocking and flashing,
proclaimed himself; and there was a note of feminine approval so
strong that he caught it. Tilting on a twig, his crest flared to
full height, his throat swelled to bursting, his heart too big
for his body, the Cardinal shouted his challenge for the third