Mr. Popper's Penguins

were to be a real contribution to science.
    Mr. Popper had gone down below to say a private farewell to his birds. All that kept him from breaking down completely was the knowledge that what he was doing was best for them, too. First he said good-by to all the younger penguins. Then to Greta, who had saved Captain Cook. Then, last of all, he leaned over and said a special good-by to Captain Cook, who had come and made life so different for Mr. Popper.
    Then he wiped his eyes, straightened his back, and went up on deck to say good-by to Admiral Drake.

     
    “Good-by, Admiral Drake,” he said.
    “Good-by?” repeated the Admiral. “Why, what do you mean? Aren’t you coming with us?”
    “Me — go with you to the North Pole?”
    “Why, of course, Mr. Popper.”
    “But how could I go with you? I’m not an explorer or a scientist. I’m only a house painter.”
    “You’re the keeper of the penguins, aren’t you?” roared the Admiral. “Man alive, aren’t those penguins the reason for this whole Expedition? And who’s going to see that they’re well and happy if you’re not along? Go put on one of those fur suits, like the rest of us. We’re pulling anchor in a minute.”
    “Mamma,” shouted Mr. Popper to Mrs. Popper, who had already gone up the gangplank, “I’m going, too ! I’m going, too ! Admiral Drake says he needs me. Mamma, do you mind if I don’t come home for a year or two?“
    “Oh, as to that,” said Mrs. Popper, “I’ll miss you very much, my dear. But we have money to live on for a few years. And in winter it will be much easier to keep the house tidy without a man sitting around all day. I’ll be getting back to Stillwater. Tomorrow is the day for the meeting of the Ladies’ Aid and Missionary Society, and I’ll be just in time. So good-by, my love, and good luck.”
    “Good-by and good luck ! ” echoed the children.
    And the penguins, hearing their voices, scuttled up on deck and stood there beside the Admiral and Mr. Popper. Then they solemnly lifted their flippers and waved, as the great ship moved slowly down the river toward the sea.