The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-09-12
JACKS STARTLING.

OnCh Woo uAhihS hOAC
through the woods, after a long days
work. The silvery moon had risen, and
the stars were twinkling through the
dense foliage overhead.
Suddenly, rs if awakened by his clear
whistling, shrill voice fell upon his
ears
Here am-here l amir it cried
with startling distinctness.
"Hallow cried Jack. "Who is thcree
where are youP"
"Here / am-here am"
Jack looked round in vain for any
signs of life, though the voice did not
seem like that of a human being-more
like bird. .,t
Come out then and show yourself, F"
cried Jack, impatiently.
"Here am-here am"
Jack looked round, and there, in the
faint moonlight, he saw perched on u
swaying Dough a bird.
"It's 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 dwelt 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. q childish voice broke the 81
lence which had fallen
Halo, Jack! how are youp" and a
little blue-eyed boy, with bright
smile on his rosy face. came forward.
"Ah, Ned. is that youp" cried Jack.
''You are quite stranger.
IL have been away, but returned
yesterday, so came over to see YOU"
Ned answered.
II 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 as plainly
as you"
"And where did you get himr Ned
said, gazing with admiring, envious
eyes ut the bird.
II found him one night when 1 was
coming through the woods"
''And did you teach him to talkp"
mo, he knew all he speaks before
found him."
al 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 aflectionately to his feathered
companion.
Speck put his head knowingly on one
side, and his bright little eyes seemed
to sparkle as they rested on his mas
ter's face.
Ned looked disappointed, and he
pouted.
81 am so sorry. But, Jack" here
the pretty face frightened, lone day
you may wish to give him up; If SO,
uOn IOrSet me.
mo; if the day should ever come
when l would consent to part with
Speck, you will be the one to whom ]
shall give him."
But half content yet forced to be sat.
isfied, with his promise, Ned chatted
gaily for an hour with his friend, then,
with bright good night" sped swift
ly homeward
After this, Ned became constant
visitor at Ellis's cottage, and the more
he went the more DESTROYS he was To
have possession of the pretty bird.
At last one day. arriving earlier than
usual, he found Ellis had not returned,
but the door was only fastened from
without, SO Ned had no difficulty in en-
tering.
For some time he amused himself
with talking to Speck, teaching him
some new words.
II do wish Jack would give him to
me-" he thought ''he can't like him SO
much as would" and he looked long
ingly ut the bird.
A sudden temptation entered his
head to take IL and let Jack think it had
HOWL away.
II can easily hide It. and Jack would
never know" Then, afraid that Ellis
would return before he had carried out
his design, he took Speck in his hand
and thrust him into his pocket. L...-
He made swiftly for the door. but ere
he reached 1t well known and now
very unwelcome footstep sounded out
side, and Jack came through the tiny,
flower-decked garden.
Halo, little Nedp' he cried cheer
fully, '.you are early to-day"
Eyes; waited though for you" Ned
answered, shutting uneasily about
"But l cannot stay now, mother wants
me; only came to say that father
wants to see you tonight"
Gall right; l will come directly after
1 have had my tea. Have you been
talking to SpeckP Hallol where is hep
Jack added in sudden alarm. looking