The Trumpet of the Swan

Although Louis enjoys his work at Camp Kookooskoos, he often finds himself homesick and thinking of his family and Serena. He still takes pleasure in his music, however, and the rest of the summer passes quickly. At the end of the season, Mr. Brickle pays him $100 for his work. Louis places this money in a waterproof pouch he adds to the collection of objects around his neck. On the last day of camp, Louis asks Sam friend for advice on what to do next. After some thought, Sam suggests that Louis fly to Boston and find work on the Swan Boat.

Louis also asks Sam for an important favor that will allow him to more fully play his trumpet. He has been able to play the camp’s bugle calls using “combinations of do, mi, and sol,” but his webbed feet have prevented him from using the trumpet’s three valves (111). With Sam’s help, Louis cuts his right foot webbing in two places so that he can move his three toes independently. The next day, the campers leave and Louis stays behind for three more weeks, waiting for his flight feathers to grow in and practicing songs on his trumpet.