When we went to feed, she told Leon that she was afraid it was weak, and not getting enough to eat when it fed with the others.
She said after the work was finished, to take it out alone, and give it all it would eat; so when the horses were tended, the cows milked, everything watered, and the barn ready to close for the night, Laddie took the milk to the house, while Leon and I caught the blue goose, carried her to the well, and began to shell corn.

She was starved to death, almost.

She ate a whole ear in no time and looked for more, so Leon sent me after another.

By the time that was most gone she began to eat slower, and stick her bill in the air to help the grains slip down, so I told Leon I thought she had enough.
"No such thing!" said Leon.

"You distinctly heard mother tell me to give her 'all she would eat.' She's eating, isn't she?
Go bring another ear!" So she was, but I was doubtful about more.
Leon said I better mind or he would tell mother, so I got it.