"But Phoenix, what did you want with his binoculars?" "I did not want his binoculars, my boy, but _he_ did. His language when he discovered the loss was simply frightful--I could hear it all the way up here. Of course, he had to return to town for another pair." "But he'll be back!" "Precisely, my boy. But he will have something to keep him busy when he returns. I took the liberty of destroying his blind. _That_ will hold him." "But it won't hold him long, Phoenix! We've got to think of something else. Now your whole birthday is spoiled!" "On the contrary, my boy, it will hold him long enough. Now please do not ask me why; you must take my word for it, and I shall explain later. And my birthday is _not_ spoiled. I am looking forward with a great deal of pleasure to the surprise which you promised me. Come, let us enjoy it, whatever it is, and forget the Scientist." "Well ... are you _sure_ about the Scientist?" "Absolutely." The Phoenix was so positive that David began to feel better. He picked up the paper bag and said: "Well, it isn't much of a surprise, really--just a birthday party. And your present. But I think the present should come after the party, don't you?" "Quite so, my boy. But I shall leave the management of the whole affair in your capable hands." "All right," said David. "Now, you'll have to turn around, Phoenix, and not look while I'm getting it ready." The Phoenix obediently turned around, clasping its wings behind its back, and tried hard not to peek. David set the party things out on the grass: ice cream in the middle, the cookies in a ring around it, plates on either side, and spoons beside the plates. He set the Phoenix's present off to one side, where it could be reached when they had finished. "All right, Phoenix, you can turn around now." The Phoenix took a long look at everything, and said huskily: "My dear chap, this is quite the nicest moment of my life. How can I possibly thank you?"