"If ye make juist ane bird licht on your heid or eat frae your hand, ye are free to help yoursel' to my corn-crib and wheat bin the rest of the winter." Freckles sprang in air and howled in glee.
"Oh, Duncan! You're too, aisy" he cried.

"When will you come ?" "I'll come next Sabbath," said Duncan.

"And I'll believe the birds of the Limberlost are tame as barnyard fowl when I see it, and no sooner!" After that Freckles always spoke of the birds as his chickens, and the Duncans followed his example.

The very next Sabbath, Duncan, with his wife and children, followed Freckles to the swamp.

They saw a sight so wonderful it will keep them talking all the remainder of their lives, and make them unfailing friends of all the birds.
Freckles' chickens were awaiting him at the edge of the clearing.