Part 8

The Cat and the Dog followed and all three were soon lost to the view of the anxious company in the Fairy’s garden.

The friends covered the ground rapidly and were nearing the home of the Red Brown Squirrel, when Cho-Cho’s sharp eyes spied a half-eaten nut lying in the roadway.

There were no trees near, and they knew that it must have been dropped by their friend.

Looking eagerly upon the ground, they discovered the tiny footprints of the Squirrel and the larger ones of the flat-footed imp, leading into a field of tall grass.

Here the Cat went forward, for his sharp eyes could distinguish the footprints with great ease. Following these signs they crossed the field and came out upon an unused road that sloped downward, until they found themselves beside a deep river which seemed impossible to pass.

“Get upon my back,” said the Wonderful Dog, “the River is my comrade, it will not harm you.”

With ease and confidence he swam forward, and carried them to safety on the further bank.

Cho-Cho and the Persian Cat stepped from the Dog’s back and turned to thank him, when from behind a large rock, the ugly imp darted out and sprang toward Cho-Cho, trying to push him into the river. But the Cat, catching the imp by the neck, held him firmly, and he was powerless to do aught but scream.

Binding him fast they went behind the great rock and found the Red Brown Squirrel in chains.

The Cat set him free and the friendly Squirrel stood up before them brave and unhurt.

Then they hurried back to the Fairy and were received with relief and pleasure.

And now, the Fairy with the Wonderful Dog leads the way to the dining-room. The Persian Cat gracefully offers his arm to little Mrs. Dog. Cho-Cho and the Boy come hand in hand, followed by the Lovely Bird and Mr. Beet. The Red Brown Squirrel is telling the story of his adventure to Mr. Onion, and Rumor and Mr. Carrot bring up the rear.

The dining-room is a mass of roses and smilax, and in the center, a table full of all the delicious things that children like.

Mrs. Dog remarks that the decorations are lovely, and the Persian Cat replies that the ladies are more beautiful than the flowers.

The little Fairy flits here and there among her guests, seeing, with charming courtesy, that all their wants are well supplied, and when at last they can eat no more, Cho-Cho rises, and with a glass of sparkling lemonade proposes a toast:

“To our charming hostess, the Fairy Health.”

With a right good will the company drink the toast, then led by the Persian Cat they leave the house and with laughter and jest pass by lovely garden paths out to the fountain—and so the fun goes on, ending at last with a dance in the dell, and joy and happiness in every heart.

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The Macmillan Company has arranged to publish a series of health books for the CHILD HEALTH ORGANIZATION of America

THE CHILD HEALTH ORGANIZATION has undertaken a nation-wide campaign to raise the health standard of the school child.

The following books are now ready:

Rosy Cheeks and Strong Heart Rhymes of Cho-Cho’s Grandma Cho-Cho and the Health Fairy Child Health Alphabet

Price list furnished upon application

Order from any of the following addresses of

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

New York 64 Fifth Avenue

Chicago 25th St. & Prairie Ave.

San Francisco 609 Mission Street