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Just look at them!" exclaimed the Ork scornfully. "Aren't they dreadful

creatures, all covered with feathers?"

I think they're beautiful," said Trot, and this made the Ork so indignant that

he went back into the house and sulked.

Button-Bright reached out his hand and caught a big bird by the leg. At once

it rose into the air and it was so strong that it nearly carried the little boy with

it. He let go the leg in a hurry and the bird flew down again and began to eat

of the popcorn, not being frightened in the least.

This gave Cap'n Bill an idea. He felt in his pocket and drew out several pieces

of stout string. Moving very quietly, so as to not alarm the birds, he crept up

to several of the biggest ones and tied cords around their legs, thus making

them prisoners. The birds were so intent on their eating that they did not

notice what had happened to them, and when about twenty had been

captured in this manner Cap'n Bill tied the ends of all the strings together and

fastened them to a huge stone, so they could not escape.

The Bumpy Man watched the old sailor's actions with much curiosity.

The birds will be quiet until they've eaten up all the snow," he said, "but then

they will want to fly away to their homes. Tell me, sir, what will the poor

things do when they find they can't fly?"

It may worry 'em a little," replied Cap'n Bill, "but they're not going to be hurt

if they take it easy and behave themselves."

Our friends had all made a good breakfast of the delicious popcorn and now

they walked toward the house again. Button-Bright walked beside Trot and

held her hand in his, because they were old friends and he liked the little girl

very much. The boy was not so old as Trot, and small as she was he was half

a head shorter in height. The most remarkable thing about Button-Bright was

that he was always quiet and composed, whatever happened, and nothing was

ever able to astonish him. Trot liked him because he was not rude and never

tried to plague her. Cap'n Bill liked him because he had found the boy

cheerful and brave at all times, and willing to do anything he was asked to do.

When they came to the house Trot sniffed the air and asked "Don't I smell

perfume?"

I think you do," said the Bumpy Man. "You smell violets, and that proves

there is a breeze springing up from the south. All our winds and breezes are

The Scarecrow of Oz