So the cat and the hen went straight off to the old woman , who was still in bed . ` Such a useless creature has taken refuge here , ' they said . ` It calls itself a duckling ; but it can neither lay eggs nor purr ! What had we better do with it ? ' ` Keep it , to be sure ! ' replied the old woman briskly . ` It is all nonsense about it not laying eggs . Anyway , we will let it stay here for a bit , and see what happens . ' So the duckling remained for three weeks , and shared the food of the cat and the hen ; but nothing in the way of eggs happened at all . Then the sun came out , and the air grew soft , and the duckling grew tired of being in a hut , and wanted with all his might to have a swim . And one morning he got so restless that even his friends noticed it . ` What is the matter ? ' asked the hen ; and the duckling told her . ' I am so longing for the water again . You ca n't think how delicious it is to put your head under the water and dive straight to the bottom . ' ' I do n't think I should enjoy it , ' replied the hen doubtfully . ` And I do n't think the cat would like it either . ' And the cat , when asked , agreed there was nothing she would hate so much . ' I ca n't stay here any longer , I Must get to the water , ' repeated the duck . And the cat and the hen , who felt hurt and offended , answered shortly : ` Very well then , go . '
The XXXXX would have liked to say good-bye , and thank them for their kindness , as he was polite by nature ; but they had both turned their backs on him , so he went out of the rickety door feeling rather sad .
air bottom duck duckling head hut morning purr sun weeks