Chapter VI

Jack's Mama was making [pies]. "Please, Jack," said she, "get me some cold water." Jack took his [pail] and went out to the [pump]. Jimmy Crow went too. He sat on Jack's [shoulder], bouncing up and down as Jack worked the [handle].

Then [Jack] took the [cup] which hung on a [nail] and filled it at the [pump]. But as it touched his [lips], Jimmy reached round and snatched it, and flew up into the big cherry [tree]. "April-Fool!" called out Pepper from Grandma's window.

Jack was vexed. "Bring that back!" he shouted--but [Jimmy Crow] only chuckled. Jack jumped on a [barrel], and began to climb the tree. Just as he reached up to grab Jimmy's [leg] Jimmy hopped to the next [branch] higher, tipping the [cup], and all the water splashed down into Jack's [face]. "April-April-Fool!" cried [Pepper] from the [window]. Jack felt more vexed than ever. He dropped his [hat] and hurried, but Jimmy hopped as fast as [Jack] climbed, till they reached the top of the tree. Then, just as Jack thought he had him, [Jimmy Crow] dropped the [cup], bang! on his [nose], and flew off to the [chimney] of the [house].

"Oh, you bad Jimmy!" cried Jack, and started to climb down again. And all the way Pepper screamed, "April-April-Fool!" and giggled and giggled till [Jack] had to laugh too.

Then he carried in the [pail] of water, and told [Mama] all about it. "I didn't mean to get fooled once today," said he, "but [Jimmy Crow] has fooled me three times already."

They both laughed, and Mama gave him a whole little apple [pie], baked in a [dish]. [Edith Francis Foster]

[JACK'S CIRCUS MONEY.]

JIMMY CROW.