THE SIGNAL 35 



"Why do they think so much of the Phoebe, 

 Oo-oo? It isn't a rare bird." 



"It is an insect eater, the first fly-catcher to 

 leave the Winter Birdland," said Heart of 

 Nature. " When it comes, we know that insect 

 wings are humming. The Phoebe, the Chip- 

 munk, and the Pussy-willow are my pledges to 

 my people ; not until the Clans see these will 

 they believe that winter is over." 



Anne edged herself along nearer to the Ruffle, 

 the Grouse, who, to her great surprise, seemed 

 to know her and began to chat pleasantly. 



" I don't remember having met you before," 

 Anne said. 



" Oh yes, you have, but you probably did not 

 recognize me, because that day I was in distress ; 

 my coat was all awry and I was lame and nearly 

 frozen." 



" Are you the poor bird that Obi found frozen 

 to the snow, and that we took down to Miss 

 Jule? I often wondered if you felt quite right 

 again, and where you went." 



" The very same, and if you'll come up beyond 

 the old barn sometime in May I will show you 

 my mate and family." 



" Where is your mate now ? " 



" Oh, somewhere about, waiting to be called, 



