you--Leave the room."

Sheepishly, but still trying to look as though he didn't care,
Cheapside hopped out into the passage and Dab-Dab closed the
door.

The Doctor went up to the beautiful bird on the ink-stand and
gently stroked its back. Instantly its head popped out from
under its wing.



THE TENTH CHAPTER

LONG ARROW, THE SON OF GOLDEN ARROW

"WELL, Miranda," said the Doctor. "I'm terribly sorry this has
happened. But you mustn't mind Cheapside; he doesn't know any
better. He's a city bird; and all his life he has had to squabble
for a living. You must make allowances. He doesn't know any
better."

Miranda stretched her gorgeous wings wearily. Now that I saw her
awake and moving I noticed what a superior, well-bred manner she
had. There were tears in her eyes and her beak was trembling.

"I wouldn't have minded so much," she said in a high silvery
voice, "if I hadn't been so dreadfully worn out--That and
something else," she added beneath her breath.