On a bright and breezy morning, a rooster named Chanticleer and a hen named Henrietta decided they wanted an adventure. "Let's build a little carriage!" crowed Chanticleer. Henrietta thought that was a splendid idea. They found a big, empty nutshell, attached some berry wheels, and soon they were pulling their tiny carriage down the road.

They hadn't gone far when they arrived at an inn. "We'd like your best seeds and a puddle of fresh water!" Chanticleer announced to the innkeeper. The innkeeper, a kind old fellow, served them a wonderful meal. They ate and drank until their little tummies were full.

"Oh dear," clucked Henrietta softly. "We seem to have forgotten our money."
Chanticleer winked. "Don't you worry," he whispered. "We'll just slip away when he's not looking."

Just then, a friendly Duck waddled by. "Quack! That food looks delicious!" he said.
"Join us!" invited Chanticleer. The Duck happily ate his fill. And guess what? He didn't have any money either!

Soon after, a shiny Pin and a sharp Needle came along, traveling together. "May we rest here for a moment?" asked the Pin. "And perhaps have a tiny crumb?" added the Needle.
They too were invited to eat, and they too had no coins to pay.

The innkeeper was busy in the kitchen, humming a tune.
"Now's our chance!" whispered Chanticleer. "Quick! Hen, you fly up to that big tree. Duck, you jump into the pond over there. Pin, you hide in the cushion of the innkeeper's chair. And Needle, you hide in his hand towel by the washbasin."

Quietly, one by one, they made their escape. Chanticleer and Henrietta flew to a high branch. The Duck splashed into the cool pond. Pin snuggled deep into the chair cushion, and Needle tucked itself into the fluffy towel.

A little later, the innkeeper came out, wiping his hands. "Alright, folks, time to settle the bill!" he called. But the table was empty! "Hey! Where did everyone go?" he cried, looking around. He spotted the Rooster and Hen in the tree and the Duck paddling in the pond. "You rascals!" he shouted, shaking his fist. "Trying to sneak off without paying, are you?"

He was so cross that he went back inside to sit down and think about what to do. He plopped down onto his favorite chair... "Ouch!" he yelled, jumping straight back up. The Pin had given his bottom a sharp little poke!

Still grumbling, he went to the washbasin to splash some water on his face. He reached for the hand towel to dry himself... "Yipe!" he cried. The Needle, hidden in the towel, gave his cheek a little scratch!

The poor innkeeper was so surprised, a bit sore, and very confused. He looked at the chair, then at the towel. He decided those tricky customers just weren't worth chasing anymore.

And so, Chanticleer, Henrietta, the Duck, the Pin, and the Needle all got away with their free meal. They were a cheeky bunch, but they certainly knew how to have an adventure and stick together!

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