"Some people say that's where their sense of direction is located, but you
can't convince me it isn't in their hearts. It's the love they have
for their homes that makes 'em fly from any distance straight to their
nesting-places. I've noticed that a good homing pigeon has bright eyes, and
a stout heart, not to mention a keen sense of direction, and strong wings
to carry him long distances, but more than all else, there must be the love
of home."

Andrea had lost not a syllable of what the old man said. For a long time
he had secretly cherished the desire to own one of the pretty fluttering
creatures, but not, until now, had the possibility occurred to him that he
might teach one to carry messages.

Long after Paolo had returned to his duties in the church, the boy sat
watching the clouds of pigeons circling above, or flying double (bird and
shadow), against the walls of the church.

He had made up his mind that as soon as Paolo fulfilled his promise, he
would begin to train his fledgling.

"There's no knowing," he cried eagerly to Maria, "what important messages
my bird will carry!"

In reply she only smiled--it was enough for her that the pigeons loved to
have her stroke them as they nestled in her lap.




CHAPTER III