110 STORIES OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS 



" There are some of that family over yonder in 

 the field. Come with me, and they shall tell their 

 own story." 



At that moment Waddles raced up. He had 

 been trying to help Obi, who was busy cooping two 

 broods of newly hatched chickens ; but his com- 

 pany had proved very unwelcome, and he barked 

 and bayed at his mistress, vainly trying to make 

 her see that his- intentions toward the chicks were 

 of the kindest, and that he felt very much grieved 

 at the suspicion that Obi cast upon him. So to 

 keep him quiet, Tommy-Anne allowed him to 

 join her, and Swallow-tail led the way to the 

 field. 



The grass was tall and uneven, the most con- 

 spicuous flowers being pale yellow thistles and 

 quantities of common milkweed. Butterflies 

 were almost as thick as the flowers, brick-red 

 butterflies, edged and ribbed with black. They 

 were strong of wing, too, taking straight aim and 

 flying direct, not fluttering about in the undecided 

 manner of their kind. 



Swallow-tail whispered something, and a bevy 

 left their work and came gracefully toward 

 Tommy- Anne. 



"So Ruby-throat has been mocking us," said 

 the foremost, " calling us ' flying worms ' ? He 



