Chapter 2

           FernlovedWilburmorethananything.Shelovedtostrokehim,tofeedhim,toputhimtobed.Everymorning,assoonasshegotup,shewarmedhismilk,tiedhisbibon,andheldthebottleforhim.Everyafternoon,whentheschoolbusstoppedinfrontofherhouse,shejumpedoutandrantothekitchentofixanotherbottleforhim.Shefedhimagainatsuppertime,andagainjustbeforegoingtobed.Mrs.Arablegavehimafeedingaroundnoontimeeachday,whenFernwasawayinschool.Wilburlovedhismilk,andhewasneverhappierthanwhenFernwaswarmingupabottleforhim.Hewouldstandandgazeupatherwithadoringeyes.

           Forthefirstfewdaysofhislife,Wilburwasallowedtoliveinaboxnearthestoveinthekitchen.Then,whenMrs.Arablecomplained,hewasmovedtoabiggerboxinthewoodshed.Attwoweeksofage,hewasmovedoutdoors.Itwasapple-blossomtime,andthedaysweregettingwarmer.Mr.ArablefixedasmallyardspeciallyforWilburunderanappletree,andgavehimalargewoodenboxfullofstraw,withadoorwaycutinitsohecouldwalkinandoutashepleased.

           "Won’thebecoldatnight?"askedFern.

           "No,"saidherfather."Youwatchandseewhathedoes."

           Carryingabottleofmilk,Fernsatdownundertheappletreeinsidetheyard.Wilburrantoherandsheheldthebottleforhimwhilehesucked.Whenhehadfinishedthelastdrop,hegruntedandwalkedsleepilyintothebox.Fernpeeredthroughthedoor.Wilburwaspokingthestrawwithhissnout.Inashorttimehehaddugatunnelinthestraw.