Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-10-11
Very Embarrassing


Rev. Mr.. Pinkney, of Slawson, bought
game rooster from Danbury dealer on
Saturday. Mr.. Pinkney informs us he
was not aware the fowl was of the game
species; he bought it because of its
shapely appearance. We believe this
statement, and are confident that the
good people of SgwsOR will acquit him
Of all blame in the unfortunate atfiir OF
last Sunday, the particulars of whish are
as follows:
At the time the trouble commenced,
Mr.. Pinkney was engaged in arranging
his neckte, preparatory to putting on his
vest and coat. Happening to look out
the window, he saw his new rooster and
a rooster belonging to the Widow Rath-
burn, squaring of in the street for a
fight. Surprised and panied by this dis.
play, he Immediately started out TO repel
the disturbance, but was too late. When
he got there, a half-dozen young ruff ,ns,
with cisars in their mouths and evil In
their eyes, had surrounded the birds,
which were already iu the aifay. They
would thrust their heads out at each
other, and ruille their necks, and then
dance round aud strike out their spurs,
and jump back and thrust out their
| heads again. And when the boys saw
him they shouted out, Z" Hurry up, baldy,
| (Mr. Pinkney is little bald) or you'll
miss the fun"
Mr.. Pinkney was lnexpressibly shocked.
1t was Sunday morning; tine homes of
two of his deacons and several of his
most prominent members we're in sight,
aud here we're those roosters carrying on
ike mad, and parcel of wicked and
protane boys standing around shouting
their approval and nosily betting on the
result. He made an effort to secure his
fowl, but il eluded him. The perspira-
tiOn streamed down his face, which burned
like fire, his knees trembled, and he felt,
as he saw the neighbors gathering, that
if the earth would only open and swal
low him he could never be sufficiently
grateful. just as he attempted to catcf
his rooster, rOugh-lOoking Individual
with his pants iu his boots, and a cal
with Il drawn-down forepiece, came up
and taking in the scene AT a glance, sidet
in with the other rooster. " Fair play,
shouted the new conner for tue benefit o.
The crowd, aud Don't rtep or the birds
Old codger," for the particular benefit 0
MIR. Piukney, who, crazed beyond reason
was jumping about, swinging his arms
aud muttering ineoherent things, to tn
great danger of stepping on the combat
ants. "GoOd for old Pinkney's rooster,
screamed the boys in delight, as hat fow
f knocked Il handful of feathers from hi
opponents neck. "The parsOn know
+ how TO do it, ," said a one eyed man gle,
f fully. Mr.. Pinkney could have swoOned
r "I'll 70 you five dollars on the Viddtr
o. said the rough man, earnestly Wlukin
# ut the clergyman. "Take him, Pinkney
take him, Pinkney," ehorused the crow
n of ragamuflins. My friends, proteste
u the unfortunate minister in a voice {
|. agony. 81 cannot, l cannot" "I'
Y back You, sir" said an enthusiastic ma
5 with Il fish pole. "I'll put up for yOl
h and you can let me have il from yol
81 donation" "The clergyman grOanet
Ie Coach the witder," shouted the roug
), man to Mr.. Piukney, Indicating tn
y .ady's bird by motion OF his tingr
Il MIR. Pinkney clutched it, dropping on h
~ kntes as he did SO. At the same time Il
S, rough man, by dexterous move, caug
"A The clergyman's bird, and also droppI
b. on his knees opposite. Pinkney look
m up, and there saw two of his deacons al
several of the members staring doy
AS upon the scene with an expression th
brought the blood to his face, and, wi
S a grUau of intense pain, the uuhap
s. man dropped Mrs. Rathburn's fowl, al
er dartcd into the house. AS soon as
h recovered from his mishap, he sent
III his resignation, but critical examin
el ton had been made in the meantime, a.
as it transpired that as far as the wort
nv man was concerned there was not
/ least blame. The resignation was l
tn accepted.