"Oh no," said the Doctor. "She is still living, I hope. But when
we reached Africa she seemed so glad to get back to her own
country. She wept for joy. And when the time came for me to
come back here I had not the heart to take her away from that
sunny land--although, it is true, she did offer to come. I left
her in Africa--Ah well! I have missed her terribly. She wept
again when we left. But I think I did the right thing. She was
one of the best friends I ever had. It was she who first gave me
the idea of learning the animal languages and becoming an animal
doctor. I often wonder if she remained happy in Africa, and
whether I shall ever see her funny, old, solemn face again--Good
old Polynesia!--A most extraordinary bird--Well, well!"

Just at that moment we heard the noise of some one running behind
us; and turning round we saw Jip the dog rushing down the road
after us, as fast as his legs could bring him. He seemed very
excited about something, and as soon as he came up to us, he
started barking and whining to the Doctor in a peculiar way. Then
the Doctor too seemed to get all worked up and began talking and
making queer signs to the dog. At length he turned to me, his
face shining with happiness.

"Polynesia has come back!" he cried. "Imagine it. Jip says she
has just arrived at the house. My! And it's five years since I
saw her--Excuse me a minute."

He turned as if to go back home. But the parrot, Polynesia, was
already flying towards us. The Doctor clapped his hands like a
child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the