Gertie was one of the gentlest creatures on Farmer Oliver’s farm. She was a large duck and spent her days walking with her ducklings to the pond and back and having a cosy gossip with Carlotta, the hen. One day, Gertie said, “I wish I could go out sometimes. I would love to see the world beyond the farm!” “That’s easy,” said Carlotta, “Just jump into the cart when the farmer goes to the market! Have a ride and come right back!” The next market day, Gertie flapped into the cart and sat quietly among the cabbages and the peas. When Farmer Oliver reached the market, he carried the vegetables into the grocer’s shop. Then he looked in surprise at Gertie and scratched his head. “Did Mrs Oliver ask me to sell the duck?” he wondered. Gertie was lucky; the farmer couldn’t remember! So, he brought her back and she never left the farm again!
Gertie’s Outing
