“Yes, Poll,” said its master, “I did look out, or I should not be here to say so, eh?”
As he stroked his pet, the bird perched on his shoulder and ate a piece of sugar out of his hand; then it rested on one foot, and blinked its eyes, as if ready to go to sleep.
“Polly is ready for bed,” said the bird, and away it flew off to its place for the night, which was on a shelf, and it was soon asleep.
The boys thanked Mr. Cottenham for his tale, and for their tea, and accepted an invitation to come again another day, and bring Walter Parker with them.
CHAPTER III.
ALFRED AT THE DEANERY.
WHEN Alfred was on his way to school in the afternoon, he saw King and Cox a little way ahead, so he ran after them.
“King,” he said, “I am so sorry that you got into a row yesterday. I did not know what pigeon’s milk was, or I should have told you.”
As he said this he held out his hand, as he wanted to be friends with all the boys if possible.
“We don’t want you, you young sneak, so clear off, or I shall give you some strap-oil of the right sort,” exclaimed King, who was very angry.