Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-12-07
THE TURKEYS STORY.
A TALE OF THANKSGIVING.

a TALE OF THANKSGIVING.
I claim no sort of distinction for
having been born a good-looking tur-
key One shouldn't be too proud OF
natural advantages. Candor, however,
forces me to admit that rather prided
myself on my brown notified breast
and creamy wings, which made it an
easy matter to single me out of a barn
yard of fowls. ordinary in most re-
spects.
| was brought out Of my babyhood
and early trials under the personal
care of very kind little boy, who
used to stuff me, however, in a hor-
rible manner with cornmcal dough
until the water ran out of my eyes
His kindness in this respect was a
great drawback to my happiness. If
could only have been let alone to
wander around the farm and into the
haymows and granaries at pleasure |
should have liked it better, but rs
said before, should hate to be un-
grateful. had twin brother who
was a good-naturcd fellow enough, but
he was not handsome. As soon rs we
Clipped our shells we were claimed By
the farmers two sons, who wranglcd
good deal over what to call US. A
young turkey, rs you may know, isn't
particularly lovely. and at that age
saw no reason to be vain or
naughty with my brother, who
aftcrward turned out badly.
"You may call yours Billy or Jack,
If you like" said my little boy, sitting
under a chestnut tree untying a .ot Of
cotton twinc to make kitc-tan. "As
for ME, Charley, have already named
my turkey lIustapha."
sounds like mustard" said Charley.
throwing a chip slyly at one Of my
toes. "What does it mean? It's
awful queer. amt it?"
YES; but it's got some style to it.
He don't look like a common turkey
and he ought to have an uncommon
name"
"Well, you've got it, I should say.
! never heard Of no Mustaphas in all
my born life and you neither, |
guess"
You amt read no tales If kings, i
reckon said my master. Freddy.
turning very red in the face. "Mus-
tapha has been the name Of a lot of
kings and princes in story books. don't
you knov-them stories Sallic Horton
used to read to Kitty when she spraincd
her knee falling out of the cherry tree
Mustapha means a great lot Of things
( don't know what all; ask Kitty. If
[ was you, Charley I'd call mine Ali
He's another Of the same kind Of
chaps. It's most AS pretty as Mus.
tapha, too"
"Ill see,' said Charley, taking a
pntter aim at me this time; I'm going
70 have christening soon as ever mine
can stand ducking in that old trough
yonder."
This chance remark came near cost
ing us our lives. as we were both held
under water so long that our teeth
ratified, or they would if we had had
any. Mrs. Thompkins gave Charley
and Fred lot of cookies and baked
apples for their picnic the following
Saturday. without suspecting their
dark and deadly designs, and so my
brother and | were dragged to the old
horse-trough-the fresh spring water
was pumped in, and we were baptized
and christened, respectively. "Alt
Charles Thompkins and Mustapha
Frederic ThompkiDs. Il Squire" and
the Lord have mercy on your souls
Amen r This was the winding up
and ] suppose the prayer was heard
Immediately as we both gave a gasp
and come to with a shivcr.
Ais legs were a little wobbly and
queer after this. and think his chris.
tening went against him. NOTHING
unusual happened after this Cor a Ions