1 To a Port Far Away

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Chapter 1 TO A PORT FAR AWAY Knock, knock. Jack opened his eyes and looked at his clock. It said 6:13 a.m. It was Tuesday, a school day. But school didn't start for another two hours. Knock, knock. Why was someone knocking on his door? Jack wondered. "Come in," he murmured. The door opened. Annie slipped into the room. "Guess what," she said in a hushed voice. "You won't believe it! I saw an albatross flying outside my window!" "A what?" said Jack. "An albatross!" said Annie. "A huge white bird that flies over the ocean. It can fly or float on the

water for years without ever touching land. And it was circling our house!" "You're right—I don't believe it," said Jack. He rolled over and closed his eyes. "No, it was real. I promise!" said Annie. "It was a messenger from a faraway place. I'm sure of it. Like that oxpecker bird that only lives in Africa. Remember? It led us to the grasslands." Jack suddenly felt fully awake. "Oh," he said. He sat up. "Maybe we should check it out." "Yes! Come on, let's go!" said Annie. "Okay, but we have to be back in fifteen minutes, before Mom and Dad wake up," said Jack. "Meet you outside," said Annie. "Right!" said Jack. Annie left Jack's room. Jack changed into his jeans, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. Then he slipped down the stairs and met Annie on the front porch. The morning was gray and chilly. Annie was looking at the early September sky. "Do you see the white bird?" asked Jack. "No," said Annie, frowning. "Let's check the woods." "Okay. But we'd better make it fast," said Jack.

Jack and Annie left their porch. They hurried across the yard and up their street. "Hey, I see it now!" said Jack. "Oh, man, it's huge!" The albatross was flying above the Frog Creek woods. "It has the widest wingspan of any bird on earth!" said Annie. "It's incredible!" said Jack. He and Annie dashed across the street and into the woods. As they ran, a cool breeze made the leaves rustle. Early morning birds were calling out to each other.