The Savannah morning news., 1900-06-17

foraging for himself. Like man young
people. he hac great idea Of his own
abilities aI26 wanted to see the world and
enjoy himself. When his more obedient
and timid brothers demonstrated with
him. he taunted them with being tied TO
their mothers apron strings-or some
thing to that effect-and went of as fast
as his little legs could carry him.
When the mother pelican came home
there was a dreadful time. as you may
imagine. When she found out the facts
OF the case she few here and there, ut
tering hoarse cries Of distress. She hur-
ried all around the little island, but in
vain he was not to be seen. Then. charg-
ing the others to remain where they
were, she fastened to the old trysting
place, where she felt sure of finding her
mate enjoying a quiet visit with his
cronies. AS it happened he was alone.
stretched comfortably upon the green
swad, taking in the peaceful beauty Of
the scene.
Drowsy as he was, the distracted ap-
pearance of his mate, as she struggled
breathlessly UP the bank. caused him
to open his eyes wide in alright.
What is il, my dear? What is IL?
What has happened? he asked in breath
less suspense. waiting impauently for
her TO get her breath.
"Oh, my dear! Our darling, our pre-
cious little Billy" she gasped
"You alarm me-" he cried. What is
wrong with Billy?" and his anxious face
confirmed her suspicion that Billy was
his favorite
He is gomez she exclaimed in a de-
srairing whisper, land I can not find
him"
When she had told him all he said
soothngly:
Keep up your courage. my dear. and
It will all be well. We will find him, I
am sure" and led her back to the nest,
where he inquired more carefully into the
matter. The young pelicans gave him a
true account of their brothers doings,
Withholding none of his unfilial speeches
'Ungrateful young wretch" his father
said and would have added more in The
same strain had not his mate check ed
him with an observation, which, translate
ed into English, means:
Boys will be boys
am not acquainted with the pelican
rendering of the proverb. She also darby
limited that the time was not SO far els
tant in the past when he himself had been
guilty of as grave If not worse INSIDE
meanors, whereupon he looked very GUM
indeed, and the young pelicanS stared as
if they could not believe their ears.
1t was getting along toward night and
no time was to be lost They were Just
about starting upon tour Of discovery
when a familiar. shrill little cry was
heard near a hand.
"oh, my darling. my darling! There he
is" cried the overjoyed mother.
Sure enough. Billy, a very weary little
pelican, waddled haltingly toward them,
glad enough to hide himself under the
mother wings.
Come. sir, give an account of yourself
Where have you been?" sternly queried
the father.
over there" answered Billy, rather
vaguely.
why didn't you answer when called?"
asked the mother.
Guess I was asleep" answered Billy.
1T was so far l got tired. I'm tged
yet"
60 to bed this minute, SIR" said the
father pelican in a tone which made them
all tremble. And without your supper,
sir" he added
I'm not hungry" said Billy II found
a lovely green frog in the waterhole. 1t
was delicious"
"A frog screamed his mother in hor-
TOR. You bad child! You know 1 never
| allow you to eat anything but fish. And
I'm sure, Billy" she added, tearfully, you
! have always had plenty to eat. I've never
| neglected my children. No one can accus e
me Of that. We pelicans are said to be the
most devoted of parents. 1t has even been
| said that We feed our children with the
| blood from our own breasts Times have
never been so hard with us as to make
that necessary. but would do a great
| deal for my children and so would your
1 father. Promise never to be naughty
| again. my SON."
Billy readily promised. for he hated
sermons, and he was very sleepy. ant
| peace reigned once more in the bosom q
| that pelican family.