After he had filled his pitcher-plant with the sweet red clover honeydew, he went into the rose garden to see how the roses were growing. They were all doing beautifully, and especially the American Beauty Rose, who was very tall and stately. “I’m so glad to see you,” said she to the flower-elf. “I’m feeling blue: it’s not so very gay here, and we need something to cheer us up. Can’t you persuade Captain Featherweight to give a ball and invite the flowers? I know he’s very hospitable or I would not ask it.” “A request from you is a command as well as a compliment,” said the flower-elf, “and you honor us all in the asking.” So saying, Iris-Wing bowed low to the American Beauty Rose, and waved his hand in adieu. But as the flower-elf was leaving the rose garden he heard some one sobbing, and looking up, he saw that he was directly under Anna’s bedroom window. So up he flew and sat on the window ledge, for he wanted to know if her dream had made her change her mind about the bluebird feathers. Between her sobs she was telling Mary her dream, and when she had finished, she said: “I hate the birds! I won’t have them in the garden any longer! I’ll get Papa to pull down all the bird houses and chain a cat to every tree! I’m almost scared to death!” The flower-elf chuckled merrily to himself, and started back to Mount Fern. When he reached the mulberry tree which stood in the middle of the garden, he heard a “Caw! Caw! Caw!” and looking up, saw Colonel Claw perching on one of the lower branches. Colonel Claw belonged to the Crow family, and always dressed in black. “Good morning, Colonel Claw,” said Iris-Wing. “Welcome to Templeton Garden! How long do you expect to stay here?” “That depends on circumstances,” said Colonel Claw. “I’m on duty here; I’ve been sent to look after the interests of the bluebirds and to report to General Grosbeak.” “Then you’re doubly welcome, for our interests are the same,” said Iris-Wing. “May I offer you some honeydew? It’s red clover.” “No, I thank you,” said Colonel Claw, “I prefer grasshoppers and caterpillars when I’m hungry.” “Shall I catch you some?” asked the flower-elf. “Thank you, no,” said Colonel Claw, “it’s my rule never to breakfast until five o’clock, and I prefer them fresh.” “Are you very hungry?” asked the flower-elf. “Yes, _very_,” said the Colonel, “but I belong to the army, and discipline must be maintained.” Then Iris-Wing bowed low to Colonel Claw and bade him good evening, saying that he hoped to see him soon at Mount Fern. When Iris-Wing reached Mount Fern he found that breakfast was ready, and so all the elves sat down and drank the red clover honeydew which he had brought from the apple orchard, with some berries and nuts, which was their usual breakfast fare.