The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-09-03
JACKS STARTLING.

Suddenly, as if awakened by his clear
whistling, shrill voice fell upon his
ears.
Here am-here | amp it cried
with startling distinctness.
"Hallo!" cried Jack. "Who is theref
where are youP"
Here am-hore | am.
Jack looked round in vain for any
signs of life, though the voice did not
seem like that of human being-more
like bird
Come out then and show yourself, "
cried Jack, impatcntly.
Here am-here | am"
Jack looked round, and there. in the
faint moonlight, he saw perchcd on
swaying bough bird.
ITS tanned startling that has stray
ed away from some one, or am much
mistaken" he thought; then, pleased
with the birds sagacity, he caught the
tiny thing in his hand and bore it with
him to his home,
Jack Ellis lived in little cottage on
the outskirts Of the village of Tryon.
There he dwet alone, but happy and
contented.
The startling after it had grown to
know its new master, seemed very
much attached TO him.
One evening, rs Jack sat beside his
cottage door, smoking in peaceful qui-
etness, n childish voice broke the ST.
lcncc which had fallen.
"IIalo, Jack! how are you?' and n
little blue-eyed boy, with bright
smile on his rosy face, came forward.
"Ah, Ned, is that you9" cried Jack.
you are quite stranger.
II have been away, but returned
Yesterday, so came over to see you,n
Ned answered.
a am glad you did not forget your
old friend, Ned. But, now that you
have come, have something new TO
show you. Speck!'
In obedience to his masters voice,
Speck hoped out of his cage and flew
toward Jack, perching on his shoulder.
See, Ned, my new little companion.
He's clever, too-can talk rs plainly
as YOU"
"And where did you get himP" Ned
said, gazing with admirng, envious
eyes at the bird.
II found him one night when | was
coming through the woods"
"And did you teach him to talk?'
"No, he knew all he speaks before |
found him."
81 should like bird like that. Give
him to me-do, Jack, " Ned said plead
ingly.
mo, no, Ned; couldn't. He has
grown to be quite part of myself; nei-
Their Speck nor myself could get along
without each other-could we, old boyP"
he added atlectionately to his feathered
companion.
Speck put his head knowingly on ono
side, and his bright little eyes seemed
to sparkle as they rested on his mas
ter's face.
Ned looked disappointed, and he
pouted.
al am so sorry. But, Jack" hore
the pretty face frightened, lone day
you may wish to give him up;if SO
don't forget me.
mo; If the day should ever com,
when would consent to part witt
Speck, you will DO the one to whom
shall give him."
But half content, yet forced to be sat
isiied, with his promise, Ned chatteC
gaily for an hour with his friend, then
with bright good night, sped swift
ly homeward.
After this Ned became u constan
visitor at Ellis's cottage, and the NOR
he went the more DESTROYS he was t
have possession of the pretty bird.
At last one day, arriving earlier tina
usual, he found Ellis had not returned
but the door was only fastened fror
without, so Ned had no difficulty in er
tering.
For some time he amused himse
with talking to Speck, teaching hir
some new words.
II do wish Jack would give him
me-" he thought, 'he can't like him S
much as would" and he looked long
ingly at the bird.
A sudden temptation entered hi
head to take it and let Jack think it ha
flown away.
Il can easily hide it, and Jack woul
never know" Then, afraid that ELL
would return before he had carried OF
his design. he took Speck in his han
and thrust him into his pocket.
He made swiftly for the door, but er
he reached it we'll known and no,
very unwelcome footstep sounded Out
side. and Jack came through the tiny
flower-decked garden.
Halo, little Ned!' he cried cheer
fully. you are early to-day"
Eyes; l waited though for you," Ne,
answered, shutting uneasily about
but cannot stay now, mother want
me; only came to say that fathe
wants to see you tonight"
"All right; will come directly afte
have had my tea. Have YOU beef
talking to Speckp Halo! where is hep
Jack added in sudden alarm, lookin,
around the room, for the first tim,
missing the noisy welcome his feather
ed friend always gave him.
II don't know. He was here JUS
now" Ned said. Perhaps he ha
flown out"
HE never does that. But a will
look" and Jack went outside the COT
tage and called:
''Speck! Spock! Where are your"
At first no answer came to his lou
calls, then the well remembered voice
now low and unified. said in faint mr.