e after going away," he said finally, conquering his
embarrassment. "You'll be coming back I hope."

Chicken Little was at a loss for the proper reply. She smiled and asked
him if he would like to see Pete.

To her surprise the parrot walked over to Pat at his first chirrup and
climbed up on the hand he held out and on up to his shoulder.

"Why, I never saw Pete do that with a stranger before. He must like
you."

"We got acquainted that day I brought him home. Didn't we, Pete?" Pat
stroked his feathers caressingly and Pete sidled up nearer to his face.

Jane watched them silently. She was thinking.

"I just know he'd be good to him," she said to herself. "And Pete likes
him and I don't s'pose Pat's got any pet--but I would miss Pete
awfully."

"Have you got a cat at your house, Pat?" she asked presently.

"No, Mother doesn't like cats very well."

Chicken Little studied about two minutes longer then shut her eyes and
made the leap.

"Pat, would you like to have Pete,--for your very own?"

"Cricky, I should say, but you're not after leaving him behind, are
you?"

"I hate to, but Mother says I'll have lots of pets anyhow at the ranch
and Frank says he'll be a nuisance on the train. You'd be awful good to
him, wouldn't you, Pat?"

Pat nodded eagerly.

"He calls me when he's hungry. You won't ever forget to feed him or let
any of the boys tease him?"

"I'll take the best care I know and Maggie'd love him. She's always
wanted a bird."

"I'll get the cage," said Chicken Little, turning away to hide the tears
that would come.

But they came in spite of her when she gave Pete a parting squeeze.

"He'll never come to any harm if I can help it," vowed Pat, trying to
reassure her, "but I wouldn't be wanting you to give him to me if you
feel so bad."

"Yes, I want to--take him away quick, Pat." She shoved the handle of the
cage into Pat's hand and flew upstairs to have her weep in private.

"It isn't as much fun going away as I thought it would be," she mourned.

That afternoon saw the last dray load of boxes and furniture taken down
to be loaded into the freight car. The trunks were all packed and
strapped and placed by the front door ready to be taken to the station
on the morrow.

Dr. and Mrs. Morton with Ernest and Jane were to spend their last night
with the Halfords. Chicken Little was to sleep in the trundle bed with
Katy and Gertie. It was most exciting to see Mrs. Halford pull it out
from unde