Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1899-02-11


artifice 10 which we resoried for do
rot think that ~ was quite honorable.
even with the motive Of exposing de-
cepsion What we did was TO GO out
side the fair grounds fence and come
round in the rear of the cage. Bez'
show was placed on one side OF the
grounds near the fence. Through
ehink in the upright boards we watched
his operations for an hour or more. IL
was some time before we gained the
least hint as TO the true nature of bis
gift. but we noticed that the cage bad
double bottom. or rather two bot
toms about three inches apart. each
OF sheet iron. and tha, when Bez wished
10 set the turkeys dancing be thrust
the iron rod between the two bottoms
and ratified IL against them. But this
was no adequate explanation. aud we
were still In the dark.
Three or four successive exhibitions
OF the dance were given while we were
watching Proba bly,. the poor turkeys
were getting tired; for we observed
that during The last dance Bez had 10
rattle vigorously two or three times.
After a few minutes another so ceuts
was subscribed: we could hear the
dancei Keep 6; goiugl" Then we saw
Be- step back between the cage and the
fence. so as 10 be concealed from the
spectators 10y the curtain. As he poked
the re under bis oven he slyly threw
three hand-shovelfuls Of the burning
coal from the stove between the two
sheet iron bottoms OF the cage. Then
be ratified with the shovel. and. step
= -
moment the turkeys were dancing
smartly; we could hear them hop anc
hutter very plainly.
I smile even now when recall the
look Of mingled triumph and disgust
on Toms face as be glanced at me to
see II I. too. bad cOmpreheuded.
That's bis gift!" he whispered.
The cruel little scoundrel! That's the
way he's taught the poor things 10
dance-by roasting the bottoms OF their
feet. III wager that he blisiered them
more than once before he educated
. them TO hop Highland Fliugi"
but he doesn't seem to put in hot
T Goals every time" said.
But that part is plain enough" re-
piled Tom. He has got the poor crea-
B lures in such terror Of a scorching that
a the very sound OF the shovel or poker
{ will set them hopping"
r. II was pretty evident that we had d.
o vined the nature OF Bez' gift AS we
stood there we could hear him talking
k glibly Of the different fairs at hich
o he had exhibited his turkeys. Next
5 week ! shall show them 20 the people
Is OF Franklin county at their annual cat
tie show al F." we heard him add.
u YES" said Tom. II sm much Obliged
Ie for that bit OF information. l have a
II cousin living there who Is lively sort
OF fellow. I'll drop him hint as 70
ie what's coming. Some thing will be sure
" 70 follow"
Of As we went past the post Office Tom
ID stepped In. bought an envelope. and
in sent the following note;
~ Dear Nose: Look out for a fellow Will
h seven dancing turkeys at your cattle shov
next week. He's tricky and cruel Ne WI
n tell you he has a peculiar gift for teaching
H. them but the way ne does u Is BY puttinl
ID live Goals in at the bottom OF the cage
We caught him at t. Get the boys togethe
and expose his trick and cruelty.
The manner in which the Franllil
&c county boys exposed Bez was describes
in the Franklin Gazette, in its accoun
e1 OF the fair. the following Saturday.
give the item verbatim:
Prominent among the side shows was
er. cage OF wonderful dancing turkeys. "a
nd hibited BY one Bez Samuels. . youth ns
at unknown 70 fame. who also RECALLED q
multitude with fresh roasted peanuts ~
'u' sweet cider. The dancing exploits OF n
IN turkeys were really astonishing. az
er proved a feature At once turks
m taught 20 dance a Highland Fling was
novelty which Immediately attracted pu
u lie attention.
TO The exhibitor expatiated upon the 3
On thence. kindness and peculiar gift reQuisi
% for training turkeys 10 such high art IN q
Terpsichorean line
IN But alas for Bee. II was discovered IN
the his peculiar gifi consisted IN putting IL
Goals from his peanut rooster under {
thin iron bottom OF the cage in which I
10 poor birds were confined.
sist Now the people OF Franklin county q
the great admirers OF roast turkey. particuls
nv ~ toward Thanksgiving; but the idea
roasting the turkey alive did not apps
eiS 10 them. Not much was said al the ain
diy but very early the following mornig
I'm when yet few people had arrived At I
!, fa!r grounds, select party. headed Il
- said. by one Nose Evans. called round W
MS the gifted Samuels. took him summar
one IN hand and having removed his shoes 3
stockings. popped him bodily Into his o
cage. Our special constablcs. who woi
thf doubtless have interposed. appear not
the have arrived at THAI hour. and quite
one gardiess OF Bez' protestations. the VII
- ing wags proceeded T. IRE I'D beneath
cage.
the II Is limited that In the matter OF
snts Highland Fling. Bee far outdid his {
hoxx keys for a space OF al least FIVE minu
- and would have undoubtedly iespec nj
higher had the top Of the cage permit