It'll not only relieve our minds, as well as that of the old lady; but either prove or disprove the suspicions we're right now entertaining toward that poor boy." He looked very determined when saying this, just as though he had made up his own mind to hasten the denouement; but of that he did not say anything to Hugh.
"My plan at present is to find a chance to hide in the room, and have the old lady let her parrot free to fly around," continued Hugh, reflectively.

"You see, as a rule, the bird is held by a fine chain, and made to stay by her perch; but the lady as much as admitted, when scolding her pet, that every now and then Polly managed to get loose by pecking at the ring about her leg; and had a great time flying squawking in and out of the rooms before anybody could catch her again." Thad clapped his hand in glee.

He had changed his mind considerably after hearing all these things in the line of a convincing argument, as mentioned by Hugh.
"Why, if it should turn out that way, Hugh, it'd make a story well worth writing up for the magazines, or a big New York daily paper.

I hope now you'll get busy on this scheme right away, so we'll know the truth.

Parrots are mighty cunning birds, for a fact.