One day Reddy Woodpecker was tap, tap, tapping on a tall poplar that grew beside the . He had discovered a tiny opening in the bark and he wanted to see what was at the further end of it.  
Suddenly a voice called out, "Well, well, well! What is it?" And a pale-faced person not unlike Buster Bumblebee peered out at Reddy Woodpecker. He was careful to keep safely out of reach of Reddy's horny tongue. "I hope," said the in the poplar, "you're not wanting me to build you a house. I can't work for you just now. I'm very busy to-day, making an addition to my own house."
 
Reddy stared at the speaker.
 
"I've already built my house—with my wife's help," he replied. "Why should you think I needed your assistance?"
 
"Because," said the other, "I'm Whiteface, the Carpenter Bee. The neighbors are always me to help them."
 
Then Reddy Woodpecker noticed that Whiteface was covered with sawdust. But before he could examine him very closely the carpenter vanished.
 
"I must have another look at that queer person," Reddy thought. So he began to rap once more.
 
Again the carpenter peeped .
 
"If you're out of work," he said, "I'll tell you plainly that you can't find it here. I never employ strangers to work for me, for I'm very particular." Then he was gone.
 
Tap, tap, tap! This time, when the carpenter answered Reddy's knocking, he was most impatient.
 
"Go away!" he cried. "You're shaking my whole house. I don't like it."
 
"Not so fast!" said Reddy Woodpecker. "I'm only making a friendly call. You and I are neighbors. But how am I ever going to get acquainted with you if you won't stop for a short chat?"
 
"I can't stand here idling my time away," the carpenter replied. "I'm a busy bee. Come inside if you want to see m............