nd
and wing solemnly. "Now, as you were saying--?"

"Well, Phoenix, I was just thinking," David stammered. "It's too
bad--I mean, couldn't you--it would be nice if we--Well, do you really
_have_ to go to South America? It would be nice if you'd stay a while,
until the Scientist shows up, anyway--and I like talking with you...."
His face burned. It seemed like a lot to ask.

The Phoenix harrumphed several times in its throat and shuffled its
feet. "Really, I cannot tell you how--how much you--well, really--such
a delightful request! Ah--harrumph! Perhaps it can be arranged."

"Oh, Phoenix!" David threw his arms around the bird's neck and then,
unable to restrain himself any longer, turned a somersault on the
grass.

"But for the present, it seems to be getting late," said the Phoenix.
"We shall talk it over some other time and decide."

"Golly, it _is_ late--I hadn't noticed. Well, I'll have to go, or
they'll worry about me at home. But I can come up and see you
tomorrow, can't I?"

"Of course, my boy! In the bustle of morning, in the hush of noon, in
the--ah--to be brief, at any time."

"And I'll bring you some cookies, if you like."

"Ah," said the Phoenix, closing its eyes. "Sugar cookies, by any
chance?" it asked faintly. David noticed the feathers of its throat
jumping up and down with rapid swallowing motions.

"I'll ask Aunt Amy to make some tonight."

"Ah, splendid, my boy! Splendid! Shall we say not more than--ah--that
is, not _less_ than--ah--fifteen?"

"All right, Phoenix. My Aunt Amy keeps a big jar full of cookies, and
I can have as many as I like."

The Phoenix took David's arm, and together they strolled to the other
end of the ledge.

"Now, don't mention this to anyone, but there is an old goat trail
down this side. It is somewhat grown over, but eyes as sharp as yours
should have no trouble with it. It will make your travels up and down
easier. Another thing--I trust you will not make known our
rendezvous?"

"Our what?"

"You will not tell anyone that I am here?"

"Oh, no. I won't say a word! Well, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes. As the French so cleverly say it--ah--well, to be brief,
good-by, my boy. Until tomorrow, then."

David waved his hand, found the goat trail, and started down. He was
too happy even to whistle, so he contented himself with running
whenever he found a level place. And when he reached home, he stood on
his hands in the back yard for two whole seconds.

[I