The Phoenix harrumphed several times in its throat and shuffled its feet. "Really, I cannot tell you how--how much you--well, really--such a delightful request! Ah--harrumph! Perhaps it can be arranged." "Oh, Phoenix!" David threw his arms around the bird's neck and then, unable to restrain himself any longer, turned a somersault on the grass. "But for the present, it seems to be getting late," said the Phoenix. "We shall talk it over some other time and decide." "Golly, it _is_ late--I hadn't noticed. Well, I'll have to go, or they'll worry about me at home. But I can come up and see you tomorrow, can't I?" "Of course, my boy! In the bustle of morning, in the hush of noon, in the--ah--to be brief, at any time." "And I'll bring you some cookies, if you like." "Ah," said the Phoenix, closing its eyes. "Sugar cookies, by any chance?" it asked faintly. David noticed the feathers of its throat jumping up and down with rapid swallowing motions. "I'll ask Aunt Amy to make some tonight." "Ah, splendid, my boy! Splendid! Shall we say not more than--ah--that is, not _less_ than--ah--fifteen?" "All right, Phoenix. My Aunt Amy keeps a big jar full of cookies, and I can have as many as I like." The Phoenix took David's arm, and together they strolled to the other end of the ledge. "Now, don't mention this to anyone, but there is an old goat trail down this side. It is somewhat grown over, but eyes as sharp as yours should have no trouble with it. It will make your travels up and down easier. Another thing--I trust you will not make known our rendezvous?" "Our what?" "You will not tell anyone that I am here?" "Oh, no. I won't say a word! Well, I'll see you tomorrow." "Yes. As the French so cleverly say it--ah--well, to be brief, good-by, my boy. Until tomorrow, then." David waved his hand, found the goat trail, and started down. He was too happy even to whistle, so he contented himself with running whenever he found a level place. And when he reached home, he stood on his hands in the back yard for two whole seconds. [Illustration] 3: _In Which It Is Decided that David Should Have an Education, and an Experiment Is Made_ [Illustration] Next day it took less than an hour to reach the ledge, and David was sure that he could shorten the time even more when he was familiar with the goat trail. The Phoenix was not in sight when he arrived, and for an instant David was stricken with fright. Had the bird gone in spite of its promise? But no--he heard a reassuring noise. It came from the thicket, and it sounded very much like a snore. David smiled to himself and shouted, "Hello, Phoenix!" There was a thrashing sound in the thicket, and the Phoenix appeared, looking very rumpled and yawning behind its wing. "Greetings, my boy!" it cried. "A splendid morning!" Then the Phoenix caught sight of the paper bag in David's hand, and swallowed in a suggestive way.