w of
a tree, cried out:

"Tu-no-no-no!" upon which Mrs Terrapin said, "Oh, that is my child,"
and she let down a cord, to which young Terrapin made himself fast, and
was assisted to the nest where the parent had already prepared a nice
supper for him.

Several days later, Terrapin was proceeding through the woods to the
pool where he was accustomed to bathe, when at the water-side he met
Miss Crane apparently quite spruce and strong again.

She hailed Terrapin and said, "Oh, here you are, at last. I have been
waiting to see you for some time."

"Yes," replied Terrapin, "here I am, and you--how do you feel now? My
neighbours told me you were very ill."

"I am all right again," said Miss Crane, "but I think my old ma
disagreed with me, and I was quite poorly for some days; but I am now
anxious to know when you are going to keep your part of the bargain
which we made."

"What--you mean about the disposing of my old ma?"

"Yes, to be sure," answered Crane, "I feel quite hungry."

"Well, well. Bargains should always be kept, for if the blood-oath be
broken misfortune follows. Your mother's death rests on my head, and I
mean to return your hospitality with interest, otherwise, may my shell
be soon empty of its tenant. Stay here awhile and I will bring her."

So saying, Terrapin departed, and crept to where he had secretly stowed
a quantity of india-rubber, in readiness for the occasion. After taking
out quite a mass of it, he returned to the pond, where Miss Crane stood
on one leg, expectant and winking pleasantly.

"I fear, sister Crane," said Terrapin, as he laid his burden down, "that
you will find my old ma tough. She turned out to be much leaner than I
anticipated. There is no more fat on her bones, than there is on my
back. But now, fall to, and welcome. There is plenty there. I am not
hungry myself, as I have just finished my dinner."

Miss Crane, with her empty stomach, was not fastidious, and stepped out
eagerly to the feast so faithfully provided, and began to tear away at
what Terrapin had brought. The rubber, however, stretched by the greedy
Crane, suddenly flew from her foot, and rebounding, struck her in the
face a smart blow.

"Oh! oh!" cried Crane, confused with the blow. "Your old ma is most
tough."

"Yes, she is. I suspected she would prove a little tough," answered
Terrapin, with a chuckle. "But don't be bashful. Eat away, and
welcome."

Again Miss Crane tugged at the rubb