They went out stealthily, followed by the widow and Anne, who had been afraid to stay alone in the house under the circumstances. No sooner were they beyond the door when, sure enough, there was the muttering almost close at hand, and low upon the ground, as from persons lying down in hiding.
‘Bless my heart!’ said Bob, striking his head as though it were some enemy’s: ‘why, ’tis my luggage. I’d quite forgot it!’
‘What!’ asked his father.
‘My luggage. Really, if it hadn’t been for Mrs. Garland it would have stayed there all night, and they, poor things! would have been starved. I’ve got all sorts of articles for ye. You go inside, and I’ll bring ’em in. ’Tis parrots that you hear a muttering, Mrs. Garland. You needn’t be afraid any more.’
‘Parrots?’ said the miller. ‘Well, I’m glad ’tis no worse. But how couldst forget so, Bob?’
The packages were taken in by David and Bob, and the first unfastened were three, wrapped in cloths, which being stripped off revealed three cages, with a gorgeous parrot in each.
‘This one is for you, father, to hang up outside the door, and amuse us,’ said Bob. ‘He’ll talk very well, but he’s sleepy to-night. This other one I brought along for any neighbour that would like to have him. His colours are not so bright; but ’tis a good bird. If you would like to have him you are welcome to him,’ he said, turning to Anne, who had been tempted forward by the birds. ‘You have hardly spoken yet, Miss Anne, but I recollect you very well. How much taller you have got, to be sure!’
Anne said she was much obliged, but did not know what she could do with such a present. Mrs. Garland accepted it for her, and the sailor went on—‘Now this other bird I hardly know what to do with; but I dare say he’ll come in for something or other.’
‘He is by far the prettiest,’ said the widow. ‘I would rather have it than the other, if you don’t mind.’
‘Yes,’ said Bob, with embarrassment. ‘But the fact is, that bird will hardly do for ye, ma’am. He’s a hard swearer, to tell the truth; and I am afraid he’s too old to be broken of it.’