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 has feathers." 



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

 eagerly. '' 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 ship-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 7iot plan any 

 bird. 



" I will go down and ask your 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 know mother'U 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 liis big meadow, and 1 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, Rajj, and we 



