What is synonymous, the dog whispered. He had no idea what it meant and he never would.

Just then the entire forest commenced to rattle, for Baba Iaga had returned and was rushing toward the distinguished gentleman on her bony legs, ready to thrash him with her pestle. Wait, wait, he cried. I only want to create your daughter’s portrait. You cannot keep such a splendid creature locked up here. As a mother you should want her to be appreciated. Others should be allowed to marvel at her. Come, look at the drawings I have made of her avian brothers and sisters.

And Baba Iaga, allowing curiosity to get the better of her and also because she did feel somewhat guilty raising her beautiful daughter in the dark woods, agreed to look at the drawings.

They were beautiful.

Herons and ibis and egrets and roseate spoonbills and storks feeding or flying or resting in their nests with their young or gliding above water that sparkled, so great was the gentleman’s skill, sunlight pouring through their perfect wings.

Let us retire to your home and lay these pictures on the floor inside so you can study them and they won’t be blown about by the wind, he said.

Indeed, a violent wind had come up as though it were trying to tell Baba Iaga something but she ignored it.

So the chicken legs obediently swung the hut around and Baba Iaga and the gentleman, whose name was John James Audubon, entered.

Well, put out some tea and biscuits for our guest, Baba Iaga snapped at the cat, but the cat said, We have no tea or biscuits. The dog growled, but Baba Iaga said to Audubon, Oh, pay no attention to him. This deeply hurt the dog’s feelings.