Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-03-21
The Discontenied Geese.

Once upon a time a flock of wild
geese started out to see the sights. They
were led by an old goose who, no doubt
thought she was very wise. AS if any
body ever did see wise goose.
I'm going out" she said, "to see
more of the world. We really know
nothing of what is going on outside
OF this pond. Don't you find it very
dull? Only last week swallow
pausing in his flight to have bit Of
conversation with me, told of the woh-
derful things to be seen. If you care
to come along" she added, Il shall
take you with me-"
Now, to tell the truth, tho young
geese, one and all, were perfectly de-
lighted at the proposition (because that
dangerous little seed of discomfort had
already taken root).
Such cackle as they set up Cackle!
cackle! cackle! cackle,. So they flew
away over brown marshes and green
meadows, over rivulets and streams,
until they came to such a lovely place
where there were beautiful flowers
and trees. There were rustic bridges
spanning limpid streams, and last, but
not least, beautiful pond.
How lovely" they exclaimed in one
breath. 81 wonder where We are" said
one little goose.
This" said their leader with An air
of Importance, "is Central Park. My
friend, the swallow, told me all about
it."
Ana sure enough, it was Central
Park, down by the duck pond where,
no doubt, you have walked many and
many a time.
THE ducks and geese you see SWIM
ming about" said the old goose, "are
tame. How beautifully they behave.
1t all depends" quoth she, ION ones
bringing up. Hush, my dears," as the
young geese, one and all, began to
cackle. Don't be rude! Let me, l beg
Of you, speak to our friends"
The tame geese, however, were not
in the least inclined to be sociable.
They glided about majestically, quite
ignoring the presence of the intruders.
See that pretty little house over
there?" said the little goose. Can it
be possible that it has been built for
our accommodation?
How absurd this was OF course
your mamma has a room set apart AS
a guest chamber, and these ridiculous
little geese thought the duck house had
been especially built for them, just
like invited guests, you know.
ITO be sure" said the old goose,
shaking the water from her back, my
friend, Mr.. Swallow, must have told
them We were coming" She waddled
over, followed by the entire flock.
Hardly had they entered the duck
ho,ise when they heard click. The
spring door closed with a, snap and
10! they were prisoners Just then the
keeper came out. "Heigh-ho." ex-
claimed he; whats this? A flock of
wild geese, on my life. Come here,
Bill Ito great, sturdy fellow near by).
Here is work for you to do Clip the
wings of these geese as once" The
man went to work and did as he was
told, clipping all their wings, while a
big park policeman looked on and
laughed.
The geese were then let out on the
pond to swim about majestically like
their neighbors. Oh! how they longed
to fly home. Never before did freedom
seem so dear to them
why didn't you tell u.s." said the
little goose in tone Of reproach to one
of her new found friends "that we
were going to have our wings clipped?
Because" replied her companion.
"you wouldn't have believed us; and
after ALL my dear. experience is the
very best teacher. New Idea Maga-
zine.