A Maker of Thunder and A Friend in Black 



Why-eee!" exclaimed Peter, rubbing his eyes 

 with astonishment. "He isn't just black! He's 

 beautiful, simply beautiful, and I've always sup- 

 posed he was just plain, homely black." 



It was true. Creaker the Crackle with the sun 

 shining on him was truly beautiful. His head 

 and neck, his throat and upper breast, were a 

 shining blue-black, while his back was a rich, 

 shining brassy-green. His wings and tail were 

 much like his head and neck. As Peter watched 

 it seemed as if the colors were constantly changing. 

 This changing of colors is called iridescence. One 

 other thing Peter noticed and this was that 

 Creaker's eyes were yellow. Just at the moment 

 Peter couldn't remember any other bird with 

 yellow eyes. 



"Creaker," cried Peter, "I wonder if you know 

 how handsome you are !" 



"I'm glad you think so," replied Creaker. 

 "I'm not at all vain, but there are mighty few 

 birds I would change coats with." 



"Is is Mrs. Creaker dressed as handsomely 

 as you are?" asked Peter rather timidly. 



Creaker shook his head. "Not quite," said he. 

 "She likes plain black better. Some of the 

 feathers on her back shine like mine, but she says 

 that she has no time to show off in the sun and to 

 take care of fine feathers." 

 [1411 



