" All gazed at the bird
in astonishment. The bird repeated the song, twice, thrice. "It is our
song. No note is missing."
"This is truly wonderful," said the Count. "Certainly no one could have
taught that song to the bird but my boy Albert; but how? I do not know.
Now, Richard, where did you get this bird?"
Richard then related how he had purchased the canary on the preceding
night from a bird fancier in the village.
"Hasten to the village and possibly he may be able to tell you more
about the bird."
Richard ran to the village, and was gone what seemed an interminable
time. At last he returned with the information that the fancier had
bought the bird from a little boy who lived with his mother, many miles
beyond, and who had trained this little bird to sing and whistle. The
fancier described the boy and mother so well that all were unanimous in
their decision that this was the boy and mother for whom they were
seeking.
CHAPTER V
REUNITED
Preparations were now made for a hasty departure, for the Count seemed
suddenly stronger. Richard packed their belongings and placed them in
the wagon. The bird was hung from a hook fastened in the top of the
vehicle. Everything was soon in readiness.
On the following morning they started off. The Count and Marguerite were
regaled on the journey by the sweet song of the canary. It cheered them
and seemed to make the time pass all the more quickly. After a journey
of twenty miles, they reached the village, at sunset.
Pages:
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168