But after long weeks the storm ceased, and Father Noah opened the little window in the ark and sent forth the Dove to see whether or not there was land visible on which the ark might find rest.  Now after he had sent out the Dove, Noah looked about him at the other birds and animals which crowded around him eagerly, for they were growing very restless from their long confinement, and he said, “Which of you is bravest, and will dare follow our friend the Dove out into the watery world?  Ah, here is the Kingfisher.  Little mother, you at least, reared among the winds and waters, will not be afraid.  Take wing, O Kingfisher, and see if the earth be visible.  Then return quickly and bring me faithful word of what you find out yonder.”

Day was just beginning to dawn when the Kingfisher, who was then as gray as gray, flew out from the little window of the ark whence the Dove had preceded her.  But hardly had she left the safe shelter of Father Noah’s floating home, when there came a tremendous whirlwind which blew her about and buffeted her until she was almost beaten into the waves, which rolled endlessly over the face of the whole earth, covering the high hills and the very mountains.  The Kingfisher was greatly frightened.  She could not go back into the ark, for the little window was closed, and there was no land anywhere on which she could take refuge.  Just think for a moment what a dreadful situation it was!  There was nothing for her to do but to fly up, straight up, out of reach from the tossing waves and dashing spray.

The Kingfisher was fresh and vigorous, and her wings were strong and powerful, for she had been resting long days in the quiet ark, eating the provisions which Father Noah had thoughtfully prepared for his many guests.  So up, up she soared, above the very clouds, on into the blue ether which lies beyond.  And lo! as she did so, her sober gray dress became a brilliant blue, the color caught from the azure of those clear heights.  Higher and higher she flew, feeling so free and happy after her long captivity, that she quite forgot Father Noah and the errand upon which she had been sent.  Up and up she went, higher than the sun, until at last she saw him rising far beneath her, a beautiful ball of fire, more dazzling, more wonderful than she had ever guessed.

“Hola!” she cried, beside herself with joy at the sight.  “There is the dear sun, whom I have not seen for many days.  And how near, how beautiful he is!  I will fly closer still, now that I have come so near.  I will observe him in all his splendor, as no other bird, not even the high-flying, sharp-eyed Eagle, has ever seen him.”