Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-26
CHAPTER w
At the 4uic Window

DILL.Y BELGIUM, rs he heard the mys-
d FERROUS sounds overhead. looked sur
prised and dismayed. Was this ghost joke
coming back at him like the one told by
Judge Owl?
"One of the Birds .is trying to fool us"
he whispered, but Peggy could see that
he wasn't at all certain that this guess
was true.
Birds don't cry like that" said Peggy
"Cat Birds do, and so do Mocking Birds,
declared Billy Belgium, growing holder.
But there hasn't been a Mocking Bird
or a Cat Bird around here in a long time"
answered Reddy Woodpecker.
Again came the muffled sobbing, followed
once more by the cautioning "sh-h-h: -,
There surely is some one up in the attic"
whispered Peggy.
Maybe a kidnapper !" suggested Billy.
IT think we'd better get out Of here
murmured Judge Owl.
$50 do we ALL cried the other Birds. and
then there was a wild scramble for the
window through which they entered. Every
one wanted to get out at once. and the
result was that they got tangled up to-
gether and blocked the way.
Peggy and Billy Belgium caught the pam
icky feeling. but their pride helc them back.
"Phooh. Who's afraid?" said Billy Bel
GUM. but Peggy noticed that he glanced
up nervously at the trapdoor which led
to the attic.
"Tm not afraid =" said Blue Heron, push
ing into the crowd. but I want to be in a
place where I can get a good start II l
should become afraid in a minute"
Phat seemed to be the way with all the
Birds. They wouldn't admit tea they were
frightened, but they wanted to be ready to
dash for safety should real danger show
itself.
Guess we'd better go outside. too sug-
gested Billy Belgium. as the Birds finally
crowded through the window. Ladies
first" he CALAMITY added. Peggy didn't need
a second invitation. She might not be really
scared. but she preferred to investigate This
mystery from a safe distance.
IT move that we adjourn to Birdland,"
booted Judge Owl. when all were gathered
In the schoolyard.
No" promptly answered Peggy. Some
one Is crying up In that attic. They are IN
trouble. Maybe we can help them. 1t would
be cowardly for us to run away without
finding out"
"That's right" agreed Billy Belgium. TT
it's a kidnapper. we can rescue his VIC
tim"
strong once she made up her mind she had
a duty to perform.
THE safest thing is to get away while
the getting is good" declared General Swal-
low. That's the law of Birdland, but II
you say stay. Princess Peggy, We'll stay
THANK you, faithful Birds" answered
| Peggy. II wish one of you would fly to
that attic window and tell us what you
see."
Every Bird responded. and in a moment
| the whole crowd was massed in front of
the window.
"I see! l see !" they chorused.
What do you see?" cried Peggy. You
| tell me, General Swallow" she added, when
all started to answer at once.
Something white, all huddled up" he re-
| piled. ITS crying, whatever 1t is"
I'm going to take a look" declared Billy
Belgium. shining up a tree that stood be-
| side the school: In a minute he was on
a limb opposite the window, Billy Belgium
| gazed through the window for a long time,
| while a puzzled look came over his face.
Hello, hello. in there - he shouted.
Peggy peered up anxiously. waiting for
a response. Suddenly two white faces ap-
peared at the window. Just as suddenly they
vanished.
"A little girl and a little boy" exclaimed
Billy Belgium, They look as If they have
tainted. I'm going in there 70
I'm tomorroic's chapter Peggy and
Billy Belgium hear a surprising story
from the "ghosts.J