Andrew nodded.
“Put a similar bird in a cage near to where t’other one used to be,” he said, “and like enough it’ll call the old un back.”
The boys looked at him with admiration. They had a hundred questions to ask about call-birds, and Andrew’s experience of them, but they soon found that it was of no use to try to make him talk any more. Andrew had said his say, and now he wanted to get on with his work.
“Isn’t that a splendid thought?” said Ambrose as he and David turned away. “I shall take Jack over with me to-morrow morning in a basket, and put him into Dr Budge’s cage.”
“How do you suppose he’ll call him back?” said David, who had become deeply interested. “P’r’aps he’ll be miles and miles away.”
“Well, if he can’t hear he won’t come,” answered Ambrose; “but he may be quite near home, and only have lost his way.”
“May I go with you?” was David’s next question.
Ambrose hesitated. He felt that he would much rather have the whole thing in his own hands.
“You might let me help to carry him as far as the gate,” pursued David. “After all, it was me that thought of asking Andrew.”
“Well, then,” said Ambrose, “you can ask Miss Grey if you may. But you won’t want to come further than the gate?” he added in a warning tone.