Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-03-10
THE JEALOUS ROSTERS.


We had occasion once to pursue our
business at a window which overlooked the
back yard of an old colored woman. This
woman raised chickens, and, being fond of
chickens, we watched with interest the
progress she made in this industry. In
one brood we were particularly interested.
There were about fifteen chickens, COM
prising every color, and, as they ran through
the grass, they looked like little colored
and parti-co,ored balls Of yarn rolling over
the ground. We noted their development
until they became large enough to take
care of themselves, and had serious thoughts
of setting up housekeeping.
In this brood were two BOOSTERS, about
the same in size, color. and devotion to the
fair sex. They grew up together lovingly,
as brothers should, and used to perch side
by side upon an old cart body, and encour-
age each other in their essays at the first
crow. AS soon as they discovered that
their beautiful crow was much admired by
the young ladies, a rivalry sprung up be-
tween them. Frequently they would en-
gage in a kind Of sham fight, evidently to
try each others strength, and these con-
tests were appiauded by the pullets, who
waltzed around and capped their wings in
appreciation. They were still friends, how
ever, but not long to remain so. One day
they engaged in a battle, which commenced
in play, but continued much longer than
usual. and we knew that it was the fight
for the mastery. 1t had to come sooner or
later, and when the fight was ended it was
impossible to tell for a time which was the
victor, so exhausted were they both by the
bitter and relentless battle. Pretty soon,
however, it was made apparent by the tri-
umphant crow Of one, and the detected,
forlorn look Of the other. He was a pitia-
BILE sight indeed. His feathers were ruff
fled, and standing about in all sorts of
ways, his comb was torn and bleeding, and
his eyes were nearly closed. He skunk in
dark corners, and sat down on the ground
and waited for his wounds to heal, no doubt
means of revenge.
In the meantime, the victor strutted
in the conscious pride of victory.
His wounds healed quickly, his feathers
their places, and in two or three
days you could not have told that he had
been engaged in mortal conflict. Of course
all the ladies rushed to his side as soon as
his shrill, clarion notes rang out the psean
Of success; they fattered him, and made
him think that he was the sole monarch Of
the world, while they turned up their noses
at the unfortunate fellow who had been
beaten.
enc and the seeming helplessEess of the
other produced an ameliorating disposition
on the part of the reigning party, and in
duced him to allow the vanquished party
to come into the yard and witness his glory
and magnifcence. After time, becom-
ing more secure in his absolute power, he !.
even suffered him to follow the harem
about at a respectful distance. at which
times he endeavo1ed to whisper soft non
sense into the ears of the young pullets,
but they switched themselves viciously,
and ran off to the protection of the ruling
Turk.
But time, and success, and confidence
makes us all incautious, and what could be
of a silly-pated chicken. After
while, the oppressed chanticleer was al
lowed to come in as one of the family, with
out full privileges, and subject to the au-
tocrat. He now began to pick up wonder
fully, and his impudence increased with |
his privileges. He even ventured to crow,
and received simply an 'astonished stare
from the crowned head, and litter from
she females. This gave him confidence,
and it was not long before he was march
ng amicably along with his brother at the
bead of the harem. One day he ventured
20 measure strength again with his high
less, and we knew that that battle would
lave to be fought over again. This proved
rue; and few days after, there was ter
IDLE commotien in the fowl community.
The fight had begun, and when it was end
1ictor, and he who had been victor was
lowed with his comb in the dust. The
lens flocked to the usurper, and made out
hat they had always liked him better than
The other one, and he marched off in til
lmph, though sore and weary from his in.
uries. But the batteries of friends, and
The new hopes and desires realized, soon
brought him to his pristine vigor.
We were now anxious to see what policy
ibis victor would pursue toward his wound
ID foe. His policy was soon made mani
,est. He was not even allowed to run IN
,he yard; not satisfied with imposing upon
Jim the opprobrium Of defeat, with all its
notifications, prosecuted him
He had no idea Of allowing
lim the opportunities by which he himself
became victor. He was ever on the alert;
ind if the defeated dared to crow in his
nearing he moved upon him, and sup
pressed any rising ambition he may have
The policy of that chicken
yard was thus fixed between those two par
;ies, so far as their lives were concerned.
A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO A MOTHER.
look in those eyes, listen to
that dear voice, notice thefeeling of even
! single touch that is bestowed upon you
~ that gentle hand! Make much of it
while you have the most precious of all
yif5s-a loving mother. Read the unfathom-
able love in those eyes; the kind anxiety of
that tone and look, however slight your
pain. In after life you may have friends
.ond, dear friends; but never will you have
again the inexpressible love and gentleness
avished upon you which none but a mother
oestows. Often do sigh In my troubles