CHAPTER XXI.
HUMMERS AND CHIMNEY SWEEPS THE RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD [Illustration: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.] "It won't be dark for a long time yet," said Dodo, after they had driven silently for a couple of miles, watching the clouds against the tree-tops and the Swallows that were out in full force, sky-sweeping for their evening meal.
"Are you growing sleepy ?" asked Olive.
"No, only _terribly hungry_" whispered Dodo, as if rather ashamed of the fact; "and do you know, Olive, after dinner to-day I told Olaf I never should be hungry again, because I ate so much chowder.

After we had driven awhile I thought to myself, 'I shan't want supper to-night anyway.' Then pretty soon I thought, 'I _shall_ want supper,' and now I want it _right away_!" The Doctor laughed and looked at the cows that were pasturing in the roadside fields, for they were passing a farming village.
"I don't see any Cowbirds this afternoon," said Nat, thinking the Doctor was looking for them.
"This time I am looking at the cows themselves! Those over there are beautiful creatures, and there is a clear spring of water in the corner of the pasture.

When we come to the farmhouse where they belong, we will stop to buy some milk, and Miss Dodo shall have supper; for even Mammy's buns, when they have been travelling about all day in a basket, would, be rather dry without milk." "But wouldn't the milk be good if the cows were not pretty, and there was no spring in the pasture ?" asked Nat, who must have a reason for everything.
"It is not a question of pretty cows; it is whether they are clean and healthy or not, that makes the milk good or bad.

And good pure water to drink, from a spring that is not near any barnyard or outbuilding, is one of the best things for keeping cows in good health." Meanwhile they had driven up to a farmhouse, almost as large as their own, and the mistress, who was arranging her pans for the evening milking, said they might have cold milk then, or fresh warm milk if they would wait a little while until the cows came home.
Under the back porch was a cage with a little Owl in it, and the woman said it belonged to her boy.

Joe, for that was his name, was about Rap's age, and soon made friends with them.