One of the wings though, appeared to have been injured, for it hung limp.
“Vevi calls that a gull!” scoffed Jane.
“It’s a carrier pigeon and it’s been hurt!” exclaimed Sunny.
By this time the car was moving swiftly along the narrow stretch of beach. Mrs. Williams and Miss Gordon no longer were worried for the sand was hard and firm. As they neared the cottages at Silver Beach, the roadway also became much wider.
Captain Tarwell was very much interested in Vevi’s bird. He examined the wing, which he said was only bruised, not broken. Then he looked at a metal band fastened to the pigeon’s leg.
The band bore the number 68971.
“Is the bird carrying a message?” Connie asked eagerly.
“No, only this identification number,” Captain Tarwell replied. “With kind treatment, the pigeon should fly again soon.”
“Where did you find him, Vevi?” Rosemary questioned, eager for all the details.
“In the dunes near the lighthouse. I think I’ll call my bird Snow White. Snow White tried to get away, but he couldn’t fly because of his wing. Is he really a messenger pigeon?”