"Oh, no, my boy, nothing to worry about for the time being. But we must remember that it will happen some day." "Yes, I guess you're right. I think he's hateful!" "I cannot disagree with you there, my boy. Of course, I have no doubt that, in general, the advancement of science is all to the good. Knowledge is power. But on days like this I sometimes wonder.... Does it not seem to you that the highest aim in life at the moment is to enjoy the sunlight and allow others to do the same?" "You're right, Phoenix--but then, you always are. I was just thinking the same thing. It's funny ... I mean ... well, _you_ know. Why can't people leave other people alone--and--and--well, just _enjoy_ themselves and lie in the sun and listen to the wind?" "That is the way of the world, my boy. Getting and spending, and all that sort of thing. But come! Why should we worry over the follies of the rest of the world? A day like this was made for living, not thinking. Begone, dull care!" And they would forget the Scientist and watch a pair of butterflies chase each other instead. But one day the Phoenix suddenly stood up with a startled expression on its face. "My dear chap!" it exclaimed. "I have just remembered! Tomorrow...." "What about tomorrow?" "Why, my boy, tomorrow another century rounds its mark. To be brief, tomorrow is my birthday. My five hundredth birthday." "Well, congratulations, Phoenix!" "Thank you, my boy. Five hundred.... Destiny.... Have I mentioned before, my boy, that I have a magnificent destiny?" "No. What is it, Phoenix?" "I--well, it is strange, my boy, but I do not know ... but that it is magnificent no one can doubt." "Do I have one too?" "Of course, my boy. We all do." David was glad of that. He did not know exactly what a destiny was, however, and he tried to think of how one would look. But the only picture which came to his mind was that of a small, mousy creature (his destiny) looking up in admiration to a splendid thing of flame and gold, dazzling to the eyes--the Phoenix's mysterious destiny. He said, "We'll have to do something special tomorrow to celebrate, Phoenix." The Phoenix looked thoughtful. "I think we had better do whatever we are going to do _today_," it said. "Well, we can do something today _and_ tomorrow, then," said David. "After all, a birthday only comes once a year, and it seems a shame to spend only one day on it. Especially when it's a five hundredth birthday." "Tomorrow ..." said the Phoenix doubtfully. "I have a strange feeling, my boy--for once, I find myself unable to explain--most odd, _most_ odd ... five hundredth birthday...." "Ah, well," it went on more cheerfully, "I shall undoubtedly remember later. The pressing question is, what shall we do now?"