Although Long Bill Wren continued to laugh heartily, neither Mr.

Frog nor Rusty could manage even a faint smile. Having expected a merry time and plenty to eat, they were both disappointed.

But Mr. Frog soon said that so far as he was concerned, he still had a singing-party that he could attend, so he didn't feel sad very long. And, after all, Rusty was glad to see his cousin, Long Bill Wren. They had a pleasant chat together for almost an hour.

And Long Bill invited Rusty to stay to dinner.

Rusty thanked him and said, no! he must hasten home, because he had to go to bed early, on account of having to awaken Farmer Green at dawn the next morning.

When he returned to the old cherry tree Rusty had to answer a good many questions. His wife wanted to know what had kept him so long, and what Mr. Frog said, and what color his new Sunday coat was going to be.

When she learned that her husband's visit to the tailor had been all in vain, she looked very suspicious and said quickly:

"You haven't been at a party, have you?"

"No, indeed!" Rusty Wren replied. "I haven't gone to a party for more than a year."

And he seemed quite indignant that his wife should have such a strange idea in her head.

THE END

[Ill.u.s.tration: The Umbrella Seemed to be Very Heavy]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Kiddie Faced Leaper the Locust]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Freddie Sat on Top of the Banner]

[Ill.u.s.tration: "He's A Peaceable Fellow," Said Jolly Robin]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Mr. Frog Looked Over Mr. Crow's New Coat]

[Ill.u.s.tration: "Good Morning, My Dear!" Said Mrs. Flicker.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Buster Shouted For Everybody to Keep Quiet.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Freddie Was b.u.mped Into By Jennie Junebug]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

JOLLY BOOKS FOR LITTLE FOLK

_Parents of boys and girls from three to eight years of age are a.s.sured by the names of such famous authors of children's books as Arthur Scott Bailey, Lillian Elizabeth Roy and David Cory that these little books will prove both entertaining and instructional.

They are all bound in cloth with colored end papers, black and white ill.u.s.trations and colored wrappers._

TUCK-ME-IN TALES--_by Arthur Scott Bailey_

These delightful stories in which well known birds and insects are the characters are based upon actual natural history facts, and while the youngster eagerly listens to them, a moral foundation of deeper importance is being laid. The complete list of t.i.tles in this series is on inside front flap of this wrapper.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTON BOOKS--_by Lillian Elizabeth Roy_

In these little stories two families of young cousins, all descendants of George Washington, conceive the clever idea of carrying out in their play the dramatic events of Washington's life. Every boy and girl will receive a true and unforgettable picture of the great career of the Father of His Country through the play acting of these ingenious youngsters. See flap of this wrapper for complete list.

LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND--_by David Cory_

Children will recognize in these amusing adventures characters they know and love. Mr. Cory is the author of the famous "Little Jack Rabbit" stories and is one of the best known authors of children's books of our times. See flap of this wrapper for complete list of t.i.tles.

Tuck-Me-In Tales (Trademark Registered)

BY ARTHUR SCOTT BAILEY

Author Of Sleepy-Time Tales (Trademark Registered)

THE TALE OF JOLLY ROBIN THE TALE OF OLD MR. CROW THE TALE OF SOLOMON OWL THE TALE OF JASPER JAY THE TALE OF RUSTY WREN THE TALE OF DADDY LONGLEGS THE TALE OF KIDDIE KATYDID THE TALE OF BUSTER b.u.mBLEBEE THE TALE OF FREDDIE FIREFLY THE TALE OF BETSY b.u.t.tERFLY THE TALE OF BOBBY BOBOLINK THE TALE OF CHIRPY CRICKET THE TALE OF MRS. LADYBUG THE TALE OF REDDY WOODp.e.c.k.e.r THE TALE OF GRANDMOTHER GOOSE