e the handsome and intelligent
parrot sat on her perch, chained by the leg, and with her
yellow-crowned head turned on one side as though she might be listening
to all that was being said.

"It is a bare possibility," Hugh went on to say. "A whole lot would
depend on whether Polly chanced to get free during those particular
days when the spoons disappeared. As to whether a bird like that would
carry away such things, and hide them, there's lots of accounts of such
things happening. I'll tell you of a few instances I've read about,
and every one was vouched for as absolutely true in the bargain."

So for some little time he amused and interested the old lady with
accounts of strange things various species of pet birds, from rooks and
ravens, all the way to talking parrots, had been guilty, in the way of
stealing bright articles of jewelry, and trinkets that seemed to have
caught their fancy, hiding them away in some cranny or nook, where the
whole collection was afterwards found.

"I may have read something along those lines myself at some time or
other, Hugh," she told him, as he concluded, "but it slipped my mind.
Whether Polly is guilty of petty larceny or not, after this, I shall be
more careful than ever about keeping her fast to her perch by that long
chain. There is no telling what a wise old bird of her nature might
not attempt, given freedom. I sometimes think she has a little devil
in her, when she says something wonderful, and looks so droll. But you
have given me a very happy half hour, for which I thank you both."

Thad kept glancing toward Hugh as though he was puzzled as to what
further action his chum meant to take in the case. For accustomed to
reading the expression on Hugh's face, he seemed to realize that the
other had some "card up his sleeve" which he meant to play.

"Hadn't we better be going, Hugh?" he now asked.

"Right away," came the reply, "for it's getting near six o'clock, and
Mrs. Pangborn will be having her tea soon."

"I do have it a little earlier on Sunday, because I allow Sarah to go
home," admitted the old lady. "She is a great hand to attend church,
you know, and I believe sings in the choir like a lark. I often hear
her practicing down in the kitchen while cooking dinner. But I'd be
delighted if you boys could stay and take a bite with me."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Hugh, "another time we'd be only too glad to
accept your invitation; but I must be home tonight. Wh