(Signed) THE CAPTAIN.

This was rolled up, wrapped in waterproof film, addressed to the
Steamship Company, and lashed to the under side of Arnaux's
middle tail-feather.

When thrown into the air, he circled round the ship, then round
again higher, then again higher in a wider circle, and he was
lost to view; and still higher till quite out of sight and
feeling of the ship. Shut out from the use of all his senses now
but one, he gave himself up to that. Strong in him it was, and
untrammelled of that murderous despot Fear. True as a needle to
the Pole went Arnaux now, no hesitation, no doubts; within one
minute of leaving the coop he was speeding straight as a ray of
light for the loft where he was born, the only place on earth
where he could be made content.

That afternoon Billy was on duty when the whistle of fast wings
was heard; a blue Flyer flashed into the loft and made for the
water-trough. He was gulping down mouthful after mouthful, when
Billy gasped: "Why, Arnaux, it's you, you beauty." Then, with the
quick habit of the pigeon-man, he pulled out his watch and marked
the time, 2:40 P.M, A glance showed the tie string on the tail.
He shut the door and dropped the catching-net quickly over
Arnaux's head. A moment later he had the roll in his hand; in two
minutes he was speeding to the office of the Company, for there
was a fat tip in view. There he learned that Arnaux had made the
two hundred and ten miles in fog, over sea, in four hours and
forty minutes, and within one hour the needful help had set out