L2-4-2

Sylvie didn't answer. She was glad they were almost home. She could see her grandmother

standing near the door of the farmhouse. When they reached her, the stranger put down his

gun and explained his problem to Sylvie's smiling grandmother.

Of course you can stay with us, she said. We don't have much, but you're welcome to

share what we have. Now, Sylvie, get a plate for the gentleman.

After eating, they all sat outside. The young man explained he was a scientist who collected

birds. Do you put them in a cage? Sylvie asked.

No, he answered slowly. I shoot them and stuff them with special chemicals to preserve them.

I have over 100 different kinds of birds from all over the United States in my study at home.

Sylvie knows a lot about birds too, her grandmother said proudly. She knows the forest so well the

wild animals come and eat bread right out of her hands. So Sylvie knows all about birds.

Maybe she can help me then, the young man said. I saw a white heron, not far from here,

two days ago. I've been looking for it ever since. It's a very rare bird, the little white heron.

Have you seen it too? He asked Sylvie. But Sylvie was silent.

You would know it if you saw it, he added. It's a tall, strange bird with soft, white feathers and

long, thin legs. It probably has its nest at the top of a tall tree. Sylvie's heart began to beat fast.

She knew that strange white bird. She had seen it on the other side of the forest.

The young man was staring at Sylvie. I would give ten dollars to the person who showed me where the

white heron is. That night, Sylvie's dreams were full of all the wonderful things she and her grandmother

could buy for ten dollars.