"Oh, Phoenix, Phoenix!" David whispered. He jumped to support the bird before it collapsed entirely.
"Ah, thank you, my boy," the Phoenix murmured. "Your bed, I presume? May I? Thank you." The springs creaked under its weight as the Phoenix gingerly lay down.
"What a night, my boy, what a night!" it sighed weakly, closing its eyes.
"Oh, Phoenix, what happened? Can I do anything for you?" David whispered.
"A damp, cooling cloth upon my forehead would be welcome, my boy," murmured the Phoenix. "Also a bit of nourishment."
David slid down the bannister, got a handful of cookies and a glass of milk, and dampened a dish towel. When he returned, the Phoenix was fast asleep.
"Phoenix," he whispered, "wake up. Here's your—"
The Phoenix awoke with a violent start and stared wildly around the room. "Trapped!" it muttered, making a frenzied effort to get off the bed.
"Not so loud!" David whispered sharply. "It's me!"