"I think it's because a train always seems so--oh, jolly--and exciting,"
ventured Katy.

"That's only part," said Chicken Little, who had been studying; "it's
wondering what's at the other end of the track that tempts you so."

"Pooh, I know what's at the other end of this track and it tempts me
like sixty."

"Home?" Katy and Jane asked together.

"No, supper!"

CHAPTER XIII

CHICKEN LITTLE AND ERNEST

The household was awakened in the middle of the night by peals of
thunder and the rush of rain against the windows. Chicken Little was
drenched before she could get the window down next their bed.

"I don't care," she said, as she hunted out a dry gown, "it's raining
and Ernest can go to college."

They slept late the following morning. The rain was coming down in a
steady, business-like way that gladdened the heart of every farmer on
the creek. Dr. Morton was jubilant.

"This will save the corn and make thousands of dollars difference in the
hay yield in the country," he remarked at the breakfast table.

"That's what I don't like about farming," said Ernest. "So much depends
on things that you can't help. A man can work like a dog, and along
comes a drouth or chinch bugs or too much rain during the haying season
and, presto, all his fond hopes are knocked sky high."

"Well," replied his father, "I guess there are mighty few businesses or
professions where you don't have to take chances. By the way, Son, I'm
beginning to be afraid your hopes of Annapolis may be disappointed. I
don't understand why Senator Pratt ignores my letter this way."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Father, Captain Clarke heard at the hotel
yesterday that Senator Pratt has been seriously ill for several weeks,
but they've been keeping it quiet. They say he's just beginning to take
up his affairs again."

"We may hear then in a day or two. I believe I'll go to town
to-day--it's too wet to do any work."

The day dragged for the young people indoors. They tried dominoes and
authors, but the boys soon found these tame and settled down by
themselves to chess as more worthy of a masculine intellect.

The rain ceased and the sun came out about two o'clock. Gertie was in
the midst of a letter home, but Katy and Chicken Little hurried outdoors
into the moist, fresh air joyfully.

"Let's go get some of those summer sweetings. I'm hungry for an apple.
My, doesn't the air taste good?" Chicken Little was taking deep breaths.

They picke