David and the Phoenix

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Excerpt: ...said to the Sea Monster. "I think the Phoenix is seasick." "Am not," the Phoenix gasped. "Merely (ulp!) temporary." The Sea Monster turned and smiled sweetly at the Phoenix. "You'll get used to it in no time, Admiral." When they landed, however, the Phoenix recovered rapidly and even began to put on a slight nautical swagger. The Sea Monster humped off down the beach, followed eagerly by the two treasure hunters. In a few minutes it came to a halt and sniffed the sand very carefully, swinging its head snakelike to and fro. It settled on one spot, sniffed it thoroughly, felt the sand with its 94 whiskers, and then solemnly announced: "Here." "Ahoy, me hearties!" the Phoenix shouted. "Turn to and stand by to splice the main brace! Steady as she goes, mates!" David needed no encouragement from anyone. He began to dig furiously. Flashing in the sun, the spade bit into the beach, and coarse white sand spurted in all directions. The Phoenix was quite as excited as David. It danced around the deepening hole with eyes asparkle, shouting such piratical terms as "Shiver me timbers!" "Strike your colors!" and "Give 'em no quarter, lads!" Suddenly it began to beat time with its wing and to sing in a raucous voice: "Cut the King's throat and take the King's gold- Heave ho, bullies, for Panama! There's plenty of loot for the lad who is bold- Heave away, bullies, for Panama!" "You're flat on that last note," said the Sea Monster. "My dear Monster, I have perfect pitch!" "Oh, yes-you have perfect sea legs, too." "Well, ah-How are you coming along, my boy? Any signs of treasure?" David did not hear. In fact he heard nothing from 95 the first crunch of the spade onward. His education was now richer by this fact: once you start out after treasure, you can think of nothing else until it is found. The sun was beating hotly on him, little rivulets of sweat poured down his face and arms, his muscles ached, blisters were beginning to form on his...