3i8 WITH THE U. S. NATURALISTS 



iny first camera, you've helped me in a way I can't 

 ever repay and I can't ever thank you enough; 

 I've sunk every cent I have in the world to get out 

 here and now, now — if I have to leave without do- 

 ing anything, all my first big chance is gone ! It's 

 the one big chance of my life, Mr. Feather Man, my 

 one chance! Don't make me go back!" 



He turned to the sea, so that his friend should 

 not see the working of his face and swallowed hard 

 a few times. 



There was a long pause, broken only by the slow 

 plash of the calm sea on the beach and the cries 

 of the birds wheeling over head. At last the 

 Feather Man spoke. 



'*Wait here!" he said. 



How long Shan waited, he never knew. 



If he looked at the sea with eyes that were some- 

 what blurred, well — he might be forgiven. The 

 disappointment was intense and he was still just a 

 boy. 



After a time, after a long time, indeed, during 

 which he had not moved from the place, he heard a 

 step on the beach behind him. He was afraid to 

 turn. 



''Shan, my boy," said the well-known kindly 

 voice behind him. 



