Endeavouring to console ourselves by petting our four remaining birds, we could not forget this disappointment, and all day long the dove-cot remained the centre of attraction.
Nothing, however, was seen of the fugitives until about the middle of next day; when most of us were hard at work inside the cavern, Jack sprang in full of excitement, exclaiming:
`He is there! He is come! He really is!'
`Who? Who is there? What do you mean?'
`The blue pigeon, to be sure! Hurrah! Hurrah!'
`Oh, nonsense!' said Ernest. `You want to play us a trick.'
`Why should it be "nonsense"?' cried I. `I fully believe we shall see them all soon!'
Out ran everybody to the dove-cot, and there, sure enough, stood the pretty fellow, but not alone, for he was billing and cooing to a mate, a stranger of his own breed, apparently inviting her to enter his dwelling; for he popped in and out at the door, bowing, sidling, and cooing, in a most irresistible manner, until the shy little lady yielded to his blandishments, and tripped daintily in.
`Now, let's shut the door. Pull the cord and close the panel!' shouted the boys, making a rush at the string.
`Stop!' cried I. `Let the string alone! I won't have you frighten the little darlings. Besides, the others will be coming—would you shut the door in their faces?'