Although Alec Forbes was not a boy of quick receptivity as far as books were concerned, and therefore was no favourite with Mr Malison, he was not by any means a common or a stupid boy.

His own eyes could teach him more than books could, for he had a very quick observation of things about him, both in what is commonly called nature and in humanity.

He knew all the birds, all their habits, and all their eggs.

Not a boy in Glamerton could find a nest quicker than he, or when found treated it with such respect.

For he never took young birds, and seldom more than half of the eggs.