The Cricket's Friends Part 18

"'What can your animals do to amuse me?' inquired the king.

"'If it please your highness,' said the goat, 'the bird will sing while we dance.'

"The king a.s.senting, the bird began to sing a lively air; and the other two executed a quadrille in excellent style, the goat gracefully tapping his tambourine with one hoof to the music. Nor was this the full extent of their accomplishments; for the three then performed a tragedy, in which the bird was a stern father, the goat his daughter, and the monkey, who was naturally the best actor, took several parts, with admirable skill.

"All this would have been very amusing, only that the proud king could not forget that the children belonged only to a poor widow after all.

Perhaps they might have received some prize, as a token of royal favor, had not the water spirit's snake darted forward, hissing spitefully, and twined about them.

"The monkey seized the monster by the throat with his little black paws, the bird pecked at its eyes, and the goat rapped the tambourine over its head with a right good-will.

"Thus defended, the children escaped from the palace safely, still accompanied by their favorites.

"'Dear children,' said the bird, as they approached home once more, 'do not be disappointed that the king has treated you with no more kindness.

Madam Pug allows us to remain with you so long as you are good, and find happiness in the home G.o.d has given you.'

"'We can have a great deal more fun here than with those stupid people in the palace yonder,' added the monkey, cutting a caper. 'The goat and I can dance all day for your amus.e.m.e.nt.'

"'As to that,' said the goat, stroking his beard gravely, 'we might do something more profitable.'

"These were the G.o.dmother's gifts after all, which, in course of time, became famous throughout the country. If any thing was stolen, the monkey could detect the thief at once. If any debate arose among the wise men, the goat could settle the argument to their satisfaction, for he was cla.s.sically educated. If any person was ill, the bird could prescribe for them, as he was skilled in the knowledge of medicine.

"The king could never obtain these three with all the wealth in the world."

The Wasp went his way again, the Caterpillar and Spider did the same, leaving the others alone as before.

The Saucepan's day was over, and the Teapot was so badly cracked as to be unfit for use.

One day, as the Kettle was swinging lazily on the hook in the chimney, a lovely b.u.t.terfly, with wings like shaded brown velvet, poised on a rose-spray outside the window. It was the Caterpillar transformed!

The Kettle called to the Cricket, but he did not find his crutch in time to hobble out (for he was growing infirm) before the b.u.t.terfly had flitted out into the suns.h.i.+ne again.

THE END.