I was just thinking that I would not like to have her sharp little beak fastened in my skin, when I heard some one say, "Beautiful Joe." The voice seemed to come from the room, but I knew all the voices there, and this was one I had never heard before, so I thought I must be mistaken, and it was some one in the hall.

I struggled to get away from Jack to run and see who it was.

But he held me fast, and laughed with all his might.

I looked at the other boys and they were laughing, too.

Presently, I heard again, "Beautiful Joe, Beautiful Joe." The sound was close by, and yet it did not come from the cabin boy, for he was all doubled up laughing, his face as red as a beet.
"It's the parrot, Joe!" cried Ned.