Chapter 21 Summary

Beans follows the pigeon to Palmer's house where it hovers for a while and then flies away. Palmer acts incredulous at the thought of a pigeon at his house and diverts by offering to buy Beans and Mutto a treat at the deli. Later that night, Palmer collapses in tears from the day's stress until he hears the familiar sound of Nipper tapping at his bedroom window. Palmer opens the window and Nipper walks in to resume his normal evening routine.

From this point on, Palmer considers Nipper to be his bird and wonders about Nipper's activities during the day. Deep in his heart, Palmer wishes that Nipper would stay in another town that does not shoot pigeons; but he also wants Nipper to stay with him forever. When Nipper leaves each morning, he circles the house once or twice before flying off...