A SPARROW SETTLES THE QUESTION 23 



and the wonderful journeys some of them take. To- 

 morrow I will begin by answering Dodo's questions 

 whether a bird is an animal, and why it lias feathers." 



" I think a bird is something like a boat," said Rap 

 eagerl}'. '' When it flies its wings are like sails in the 

 air, and when it swims its feet row under the water, 

 and the tail balances behind like a rudder and the head 

 sticks out in front like the bowsprit." 



" You are right, my boy," said the Doctor, looking at 

 him attentively; "and would you also like to know 

 how this beautiful boat is made ? If a shij)-builder 

 could plan a vessel that would go through wind and 

 water as birds do, he would be the wisest man in the 

 world. But you see. Rap, a man did not plan any 

 bird. 



" I will go down and ask 3^our mother to let you 

 come and hear the stories with the other children — 

 how would you like that, Rap ? " 



" Will you ? Will you really let me come ? Oh, 

 I am so glad I I know mother'll let me any day but 

 Monday and Thursday, because I have to watch clothes 

 on those days." 



" Wash clothes ? " said Dodo in surprise. 



"No, watch them," replied Rap, laughing. "Those 

 two days the miller lets mother spread her things to 

 whiten in his big meadow, and I have to watch and see 

 that they are not stolen or don't blow away." 



" Isn't it very stupid to sit there so long?" 



"Oh, no, it's lovel}^; for there are lots of birds and 

 things about." 



" To-morrow^ will be Wednesday," said the Doctor. 

 "Come up to Orchard Farm by nine o'clock. Rap, and we 



