40 THE INSTINCTS

CHAPTER 40 THE INSTINCTS The next few days were a blur. Roz rushed through her daily tasks so she could have more time with the flock. The geese talked about Chitchat the squirrel, and the Beaver family, and the other animals on the island. Roz talked about the robot factory and the Shareefs and life on the farm. But the geese were always aware of their instincts, calling them back to the warm wintering grounds. And when they awoke one morning to find the countryside dusted with snow, they knew it was time to go. By some miracle Roz and Brightbill had been reunited, and now they had to say good-bye all over again. The flock stood in the pasture with Roz as the children and the herd looked on. Brightbill fluttered up to his mother's shoulder and wrapped his wings around her face. "I'll return in the spring," said the goose. "And then

you and I are going to find our way home." "Please be careful," said the robot. "I do not want to lose you again." "We'll keep your son out of trouble," squawked Loudwing with a smile. The geese waved good-bye to Roz and their new farm friends. Then Brightbill shook his tail feathers, beat his wings, and led his flock into the sky.