THE ISLE OF BIRDS. 195 



at the south window. Following the direction 

 of his long finger, they saw a dim cloud hanging 

 over Bird Key. 



" What is it ? " they asked in chorus. 



" What is it ? " repeated the fisherman ; 

 " why, that cloud means birds, and eggs just as 

 good as hens' eggs." 



Taking the glass, Tom saw what were ap- 

 parently thousands of birds wheeling over the 

 island. " That is a sight ! " he exclaimed, hand- 

 ing the glass to Dick. " Why, there must be a 

 million ! " 



" Where do they come from ? " inquired 

 Harry, who was always ready to ask questions. 



" From all over," replied Long John. 

 " They've been here two days ; but I thought I 

 wouldn't say anything and give 'em a chance to 

 lay ; to-day you can git all you want." 



The young naturalists had been so long on 

 fish and turtle diet that they were delighted at 

 the thought of a change, and after breakfast they 

 rushed down to the boat, where they were joined 

 a little later by the doctor and Long John. 



" What are you going to do with that, Mr. 



