Ch3-Ten Types of Noses

CHAPTER THREE Ten Types of Noses. "Let the boy go, Marco," 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." "Yes, we are!" said Annie, grinning. "Thanks for helping us!" said Jack. He gave Leonardo a big smile. He wanted the great genius to like them so they could spend the whole day with him. "I'm Jack and this is my sister, Annie. Actually it was Annie who freed—" But Leonardo didn't give Jack a chance to finish. He kept talking. "In truth, I love all creatures! Every bird and animal known to man— and even the ones not known!" He laughed heartily.

"Me too!" said Annie. "Me too!" said Jack. Leonardo picked up some bird feathers from the ground. "Ah, beautiful," he said, holding them up to the sun. "I will sketch these later." He tucked the feathers into his basket with the bread and cheese and flowers. "Well, I must be on my way now, friends," he said. "Good day!" Leonardo turned and began walking briskly away from the bird stand. Oh, no! thought Jack. Before he could think of anything to say, Annie shouted, "Mr. da Vinci! Leonardo!" Leonardo looked back at her. "Yes?"

"Do you… um… do you need any help today?" Annie asked. "Jack and I would really, really like to help you… all day… somehow." Jack was embarrassed. He was sure Leonardo would say no. But to his surprise, the great genius was looking at them closely and tapping his chin. "Well… actually I am facing a great task this morning," he said with a smile. He nodded. "Yes. Perhaps you could be my apprentices—just for today." "Great!" said Annie. "What's an apprentice?" asked Jack. "Apprentices help a master artist or skilled worker," said Leonardo. "They work hard and

study hard in hopes they'll become masters themselves someday." "Cool," said Jack. "Come along, then!" said Leonardo. He started walking again. Jack and Annie hurried alongside him. They left the crowded market and started up a cobblestone street. "Do you children live in Florence?" asked Leonardo. "No, we're from… um… far away," said Jack. "We're here on a mission," said Annie. "We're looking for the secret of happiness." Leonardo smiled. "Ah, yes, I discovered that secret some time ago," he said.