"We had several passengers on board, and one of them who was a naturalist, and had been out to these regions to collect birds and creatures of all sorts, offered to buy Lory, but though he was ready to give a large sum, I would not part with my friend. Lory came safely home with me, for I took great care of him, and when we got into northern latitudes, I kept him always out of the cold and damp. "So, Miss Fanny, you have the history of my pet." "Oh, how I wish you had been able to bring the other birds home," said Fanny. "I should so like to have seen them." "Well, Miss, I tell you it went against my heart to kill them, but when a man is suffering from hunger, his nature seems changed, but I often used to think afterwards, how I could have killed the pretty creatures." "I am very much obliged to you, for the account you have given me, and I should like another day to hear as many more of your adventures as you can tell me, for I daresay that is not the only one you have met with." "No, indeed, Miss Fanny, I could tell you many more, and will try and recollect them for you when next you come." Norman had been almost as much interested as his sister in the old sailor's story, wondering in what part of the world the adventures took place, for although, as he boasted, he had come all the way from India, he had a very slight knowledge of geography. Rob by had all the time been outside playing with the little carriage, and thinking how nice it would be if he could have one like it to drag to market with his grandfather, and bring back the things they bought. Just as old Alec had finished his story, a stranger arrived. He was a drover, who went round the country to purchase the cottagers' cattle, picking up here one and there one, or taking a hundred at a time from the more wealthy proprietors. "I am somewhat in a hurry," he said, "but if you have any beasts to dispose of, I daresay that I shall be able to offer you a price you will be ready to take." As old Alec could not detain the drover, he begged Fanny and her brother to wait till his return that he might accompany them part of the way home. While he and the drover went out to look at the cattle, Fanny took up her bird with its cage, and thought how much it would like to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. "I am not going to stay here any longer," said Norman, and he ran out to join little Robby in playing with the carriage. Fanny followed with the bird-cage, and seeing the two boys amusing themselves, went on talking to the bird, which as she thought whistled to her in return. "What are you doing with my cart?" exclaimed Norman, turning to Robby.