The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-11-28
A FRIENDLY REVENGE.

The OnenSe OF my Ir1enu 1OrnDeam
was ono of those smiling little foil
thrusts, which must be resented cour-
teously if they be resented at all.
SO l gave him pair of young king
fishers. l must explain here, that
Hornbeam is an amateur student of
natural history, ard that birds are his
speciality. Every feathered creature,
from a chick to condor, he loves toin-
fatuation.
Now, while the kingfsher species is
common everywhere in its wild. state, q
domesticated kingfisher is truly rdrG
0ois in terra. 1t had been by mere
chance that secured the pair which I
presented to my friend, and he received
them with an ELUSIVE delight which l
am sure was not simulated.
AS soon as the two aquatic beauties
arrived at Hornbcam's country villa, he
purchased for them a magnificent cage,
the epitome of all modern ornithologic-
al conveniences.
Shy and sullen, though by no means
silent, the birds quickly made it under
stood that their solace after all was but
prison, and that they were very I'M
happy in it. They began to droop and
pine.
"Liberty!'' the kind-hearted Horn
beam cried iberty for all, especially
the wild fowls of the air.
There was spare room under the
roof of the villa. This was cleared of
furniture, the floor was graveled, and
the room transformed into model
aviary. The kingfshers were turned
loose in it; but, instead of rejoicing in
their comparative freedom, they sulked
more than ever.
What can they want?" Hornbeam
asked, with great solicitude, when 1
called to see how the pets were getting
on. II have done everything L can
think of for their comfort, and yet it
appears that something or other is lack
ing"
Water, perhaps" 1 suggested.
"Water!" he echoed disdainfully.
why, you don't suppose after all my
experience with birds j would neglect
their water, do you? They have more
than they can drink, twice day."
Enough to drink, doubtless" l re-
piled, affecting tone of friendly coun-
sci; 'but that is not enough. Remcm-
Der that in their natural state of free
dom. these creatures haunt the lakes
and streams"
Hornbcam was silent for moment.
"You are right he finally said, in
"a troubled tone. Then, after an inter-
val of deep abstraction, he suddenly
frightened up, and cried: 81 have it!
my bath room is directly under the
chamber they occupy. I'll establish
communication"
The next day. that part of the
house was surrendered to workmen.
The floor was torn up, and the ceiling
Of the bath room cut through, so that
the kingfishers might be free to descend
and disport themselves on the slashy
brink of the bathtub, which was order
ed to be kept always full Of fresh water
for their accommodation.
Hornbe.m watched with cagerness'
the result of his novel though some
what costly device. But even before
he had finished looking over the bills
OF the carpenters, massps, painters,
plumbers and upholsterers, relative to
the 'job," it became evident that the
work had been done in vain. The
birds perched morosely in corner, as
though afraid they might possibly tum-
bic down into the water and be
drowned.
Suddenly it occurred TO my friend
that the pool in his bathtub was of
mirror-like serenity, whereas the king
fishers, it was more than likely, had
been accustomed to running water. No
doubt gushing, sparkling stream was
what they longed for.
Hornbeam did not hesitate. He call
ed back the mechanics. The whole of
the plumbing would have to be altered,
and special contract would have to be
made with the Water Works Company.
The financial outlay would be consider
able; but the stream of running water
would be a triumphant reality, and
the poor birds would at last be happy.
Alas! they were not.
Their unhappy masterI should
rather say slave-whose devotion to
them increased in direct ratio with the
trouble they cost him, began to despair.
He poured into my sympathetic ear the
whole history of his unsuccessful efforts
TO provide q pleasant home for the
precious birds / had given him, and be-
sought my advice. r.fa
my dear Hornbeam," responded,
with Mephistophelian suavity, "your
error seems to be in supposing that
kingfishers love water for its own
sake"
What do you mcanp" -, -.
II mean what they really care for is
the fish that are in it. Put some fish in
your running water, and think you
will find that your birds will be as con-
tent with their surrounding as the fish
in their own natural element. 81
9TH do itr' the enthusiastic Horn
beam cried. "I'll stock that bathtub
with live fish, and the kingfshers can
amuse themselves diving for them"
Two weeks later, Hornbeam found
.hc expense CT c-cc;:r;,.- the jolly "''''.