| 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 |
| 1 | 33 | 66 | 98 | 131 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
"
Why, it's Button-Bright, of course," answered Trot. "If anyone ever finds a lost
boy, he can make up his mind it's Button-Bright. But how he ever came to be
lost in this far-away country is more'n I can make out."
"
"
Where does he belong?" inquired the Ork.
His home used to be in Philadelphia, I think; but I'm quite sure Button-Bright
doesn't belong anywhere."
"
That's right," said the boy, nodding his head as he swallowed the second
mouthful.
"
"
Everyone belongs somewhere," remarked the Ork.
Not me," insisted Button-Bright. "I'm half way round the world from
Philadelphia, and I've lost my Magic Umbrella, that used to carry me
anywhere. Stands to reason that if I can't get back I haven't any home. But I
don't care much. This is a pretty good country, Trot. I've had lots of fun here."
By this time the Mountain Ear had secured the boy's cap and was listening to
the conversation with much interest.
"
It seems you know this poor, snow-covered cast-away," he said.
"
Yes, indeed," answered Trot. "We made a journey together to Sky Island,
once, and were good friends."
"
Well, then I'm glad I saved his life," said the Bumpy Man.
"
"
Much obliged, Mr. Knobs," said Button-Bright, sitting up and staring at him,
but I don't believe you've saved anything except some popcorn that I might
have eaten had you not disturbed me. It was nice and warm in that bank of
popcorn, and there was plenty to eat. What made you dig me out? And what
makes you so bumpy everywhere?"
"
As for the bumps," replied the man, looking at himself with much pride, "I
was born with them and I suspect they were a gift from the fairies. They make
me look rugged and big, like the mountain I serve."
"
All right," said Button-Bright and began eating popcorn again.
It had stopped snowing, now, and great flocks of birds were gathering around
the mountain-side, eating the popcorn with much eagerness and scarcely
noticing the people at all. There were birds of every size and color, most of
them having gorgeous feathers and plumes.
4
9
Page
Quick Jump
|