"Mr. Long Nose, have you been for the mail?" asked Cockletop, as Long Nose was returning from a walk.

"Yes," answered Bill, "I called. Only a letter for Lady Gray, though. Here, Lazybones, take this to the lady."

Lazybones never objected to taking mail to Lady Gray, because she always gave him something.

That night Lady Gray's maid came to the second henhouse and handed a folded paper to Red Nose Mike. He opened it and read:—

"Mr. Mike:

"Dear Sir:—I wish all of you to come to Hen Castle at eight o'clock to-night.

"Lady Gray."

Red Nose called all the people together and read aloud the note. They all, except Henny Penny, said they would go. Then Mike seated himself at the table and wrote:—

"Lady Gray:

"Dear Madam:—We will all be very glad to come to the Castle to-night at the appointed hour. Mrs. H. Penny says you really must excuse her though, as she is setting.

"Respectfully,

"R. N. Mike."

This answer met with great approval in the henhouse, and at seven o'clock every hen was getting out her silk dresses and saying what they looked best in.

Promptly at eight every one was at the Castle. Lady Gray met them in the garden and said:—

"I received by to-day's mail a very kind invitation to go to a party over at Chicken Place. You were all invited. It is to be to-morrow, from seven in the evening until one in the morning. All who wish to go will oblige me by saying 'I.'"

Every one said "I." Then the chickens left to get ready for the party.