The next morning he gave an ear from the corn he was shelling for his chickens to Freckles, and told him to carry it to his wild chickens in the Limberlost.

Freckles laughed delightedly.
"Me chickens!" he said.

"Why didn't I ever think of that before?
Of course they are! They are just little, brightly colored cocks and hens! But 'wild' is no good.

What would you say to me 'wild chickens' being a good deal tamer than yours here in your yard ?" "Hoot, lad!" cried Duncan.
"Make yours light on your head and eat out of your hands and pockets," challenged Freckles.
"Go and tell your fairy tales to the wee people! They're juist brash on believin' things," said Duncan.

"Ye canna invent any story too big to stop them from callin' for a bigger." "I dare you to come see!" retorted Freckles.
"Take ye!" said Duncan.