“What have you got there?” Tom asked, referring to something Whalen held in his cupped hand.
“A problem,” Whalen said.
“What do you mean, a problem?” Tom asked, seeing a tiny bird sitting very comfortably on a few wisps of grass in Whalen’s sheltering hand.
“Why birds leave home,” said Whalen.
“It’s a robin,” said Tom.
“A feathered friend,” said Whalen.
Tom had heard Audry Ferris speak of birds as feathered friends and he had a feeling now that this rescuer was poking fun at her phrases. In another moment he was certain of it.
“I’m strong for service,” said Whalen. “Poor little codger, he must have fallen out of his nest.”
“That’s your middle name—rescuing,” said Tom generously.
“Service,” said Whalen.