Ben squeaked, “Adam’s best Arnie, the one with the beaver in it.”
“Well, let’s go and see if we can find Blacky’s stolen goods. I know some of his hideouts.”
Laura walked over to the gazebo and knelt down to feel under the seat. “Aha . . . is this what you boys are looking for?” She picked a bunch of leaves off a cluster of tiny objects . . . and there they were: four cat’s eye marbles and one large Arnie with a little beaver inside it.
Adam smiled.
Laura pushed a few more leaves apart and there was their mother’s pink plastic clothes pin.
“He has an eye for pretty things,” said Laura. “But I admit, he doesn’t ask for them. I’m sorry boys.” She handed the marbles to Adam.
Adam dropped them into his pocket as Blacky hopped over to his hiding place. He pushed the leaves apart with his beak, searching for his treasures. The clothes pin didn’t seem to interest him. “Aww,” he cawed.
“He’s sad,” sighed Ben. Give him one, Adam, he likes them.”
“Well . . . okay.” Adam held out the palm of his hand with a bright red marble in it. Blacky snatched it, and hopped away.
Adam turned to face Ben, “You make sure you don’t leave my marbles out again for Blacky to get.”
“I won’t” said Ben, as he followed Blacky through the shrubs. “Can I pet him, Laura?”
“Sure Ben . . . just a minute.” Laura pulled a crust of bread from her pocket and walked over to the pond. She dipped the bread into the water. Blacky was quick to spot a treat and once again flew over to land on her outstretched arm. He tilted his head back and opened his beak. Laura dropped the bread down his throat and Blacky made a weird gobbling sound as he swallowed.
“Wow,” said Adam. “This place isn’t haunted, it just has a hungry crow living here!”
They laughed and Laura explained how she had saved Blacky when he was a baby crow. “A big cat was stalking him after he’d fallen from his nest. He thinks I’m his mom. He’s being lazy asking for food.”
“Oh,” said Adam, “can I feed him, Laura?”
Laura pulled another couple of crusts out of her pocket, “Sure you can.”
The boys looked at each other and smiled.
