Part 45 (2/2)
Chicken Little's voice floated plaintively down the staircase.
”No, that is all right, dear. They are things you have outgrown and I am going to give them to Maggie Casey. Pat is coming for them this morning.
By the way, if I am not here when he comes, just get them for him, will you, please?”
Pat was late and Mrs. Morton had gone over to Marian's before he arrived. Chicken Little gathered up the bundle and soberly presented it to him. Pat thanked her but lingered cap in hand, s.h.i.+fting his weight from one foot to the other uneasily.
”I am sorry you're after going away,” he said finally, conquering his embarra.s.sment. ”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 rea.s.sure 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.
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