A FAR ADVENTURE 319 



"Yes, Mr. Feather Man!" 



'^Have you plenty of plates?" 



The boy turned with a cry. 



''Why, Mr. Feather Man, why?" 



''Because," said the other smiling, "we're go- 

 ing to stay here a couple of months longer." 



"Wer' 



"Yes," said the kindly voice; "there was no 

 other way. You will stay here to assist me." 



The boy put out his hand. 



"YouVe done this — for me?" he asked, chok- 

 ingly. 



The old naturalist nodded. 



"And all your work?" 



"That," said the Feather Man, "can wait. 

 There's no better work that an old man can do 

 than build the life and the career of a younger one. 

 But you must do me justice, Shan. ' ' 



There was too much choke in Shan's voice to 

 answer. He gripped the Feather Man's hand and 

 turned away. 



