“Leonardo said again.
“But I caught him trying to steal my bird,” said Marco.
“No, Marco. The girl said they were setting him free,” said Leonardo. “And I believe her.”
“Then let them pay me!” the bird seller said.
“We don’t have any money,” Annie said in a small voice.
“I will take care of it,” said Leonardo. He put down the basket he was carrying. It was filled with flowers, cheese, and a loaf of bread. He pulled out a gold coin. The bird seller let go of Jack and took the coin.
“Marco, when I lay in my cradle as a child, a bird flew down and struck me with its tail,” said Leonardo. “Ever since then, I have wished—”
“I know, I know,” interrupted Marco, “to be a bird yourself. You have told me this many times, Leonardo.” The bird seller turned away to help a customer.
Leonardo turned to Jack and Annie. “Yes,” he said, “to be a bird myself—which is why I often buy birds from Marco and set them free. So you see, my friends, you and I are kindred spirits.”
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