All the Brownies wanted to watch the test and Mr. Green agreed that they might. He told Mrs. Williams and Miss Gordon that he would release the birds at a point five miles away from the pigeon cote.
Everyone drove there in Mrs. William’s car. By the time they arrived, Mr. Green already had unloaded several wicker baskets of pigeons which he planned to release.
Vevi went over to talk to Snow White. The pigeon was in a basket by himself. His feathers were smooth and glossy and he looked as if he were in good condition for racing. At least Vevi thought so.
“Now you must do your very best today,” she said to the pigeon. “When Mr. Green tosses you into the air, fly straight home! Fly faster than any of the other birds!”
“You’re goofy, talking to a pigeon!” Jane teased, coming up behind her. “He can’t understand you.”
“Maybe he can,” Vevi insisted. “Anyway, you just wait! Snow White will do fine this time.”
The Brownies gathered around as Mr. Green prepared to release the pigeons.
“The birds are hungry, so they should fly directly to the loft,” he declared. “As soon as I’ve set them free, I’ll drive back. I want to be on hand to check their time as they arrive at the cote.”
Mr. Green tossed all of the birds into the air. They rose and circled once or twice. Then one by one they flew off in the direction of the pigeon loft.
“Snow White went with the others!” Vevi cried in delight. “I’ll bet he’s the first to reach the roost!”