CHAPTER VI 

 THE BIRD AS A TRAVELLER 



Rap went up to Orchard Farm one morning very 

 early to take Nat for a walk through the fields, down 

 to the river, to see some birds that had arrived in the 

 night. 



It was only five o'clock, but Dr. Hunter was walking 

 to and fro in the garden, listening to the burst of bird- 

 music as eagerly as if it were for the first time in his 

 life. That is one of the best parts of our friendship 

 with Bird People ; they never weary us by talking too 

 much, and every spring after winter's silence their 

 music is as new as ever. 



" Please, Uncle Roy, can I go with Rap ? " pleaded 

 Nat. " I will wear my rubber boots." 



" You may go if you eat something first. I wonder 

 if Rap would invite me also ? " said the Doctor, leading 

 the way to the big kitchen pantry. 



" I know he would ! " cried Nat joyfully. " He 

 wished and wished you would go Avith us, but we didn't 

 think you'd care to, because you have been to the river 

 woods so many times before. But why must I eat 

 something, uncle? I'm in such a hurry to go." 



" Because, my boy, the life in us is like a fire that 

 must be supplied Avith fuel to keep it burning, only 

 instead of Avood or coal Ave need food. Very early in 



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