Page:Poor Cecco - 1925.djvu/140



HE poor Easter Chicken did not know which way to turn. He rushed to the Money-Pig and shook him violently.

The Money-Pig, who had seen everything that happened, pretended to be asleep. He was really a terrible coward.

“Leave me alone!” he grumbled. “What’s the matter?”

“Tubby!” cried the Easter Chicken. “Murrum has carried off Tubby!”

“I’ll say she deserved it!” said the Money-Pig. “I can’t do anything, can I?”

But the Easter Chicken continued to beat him with his wings, shouting: “Tubby’s gone! You must wake up! Murrum has stolen her!”

“Can’t you leave me alone?” the Money-Pig complained.

“Isn’t it enough that you must be stuffing goodness knows what all down my back all day! It isn’t money, I’m sure; I never felt so sick in my life. If Tubby’s gone, good riddance! I’m not going to worry about her. Let me sleep, for goodness’ sake. Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” And he pretended to groan.