Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-11-29

black bands and brownish yellow
spots
Ducks. BY Jove! Ha! ha!" and
he fairly roared with laughter which
brought his wife downstairs to see
what was the matter.
/ sat half dazed, trying to account
for the mystery.
Carrie Usher, do you expect Uncle
John to relish tbs ugly bird? You
dki make a fine selection sure
enough" said my brother. as soon as
he could controi his mirth.
Il cannot understand it" | said, al
most crying, q did have nice ducks,
and | don't see where / got that, un.
less
I sprang to my feet as sudden
idea occurred to me.
|. Il know now-he must have given
me his box when
Now, Carrie, own up. What mis-
chief have you been at today"
Don't question me any more, Al.
bert, it is so ridiculous.
Yes, doctor, leave the girl alone,
we all make mistakes, Ibis wife said
coming to my aid. DO you know
what kind of bird this is?" 1t looks
almost like an owl.
ut is a fine specimen of an owl
)arrnt," he answered, examining it
loosely. Il never saw but one be
fore and l expect this belongs to
some collection. I fear there is too
much arsenic in it to be very catable;
but it is worth dozen ducks. ard
1T is almost train time, doctor, and
your uncle will not forgive you il you
do not meet him." my sister-inlaw
interrupted, smiling
She led me away, for which was
thankful. and I rewarded her by re
lating the whole episode.
Uncie John soon arrived, and in
spite of his stateliness we we're all
charmed with him.
took my duck to my room and
put it out of sight, and a lone turkey
appeared on the table the next day.
1 carefully avoided my brothers glance
when he told Uncle John that he had
hoped to giEe him his favorite dish
ducks-but was disappointed.
My green bird remained hidden UNI
til my brother persuaded me to put it
away with his collection.
Three years passed. was no
longer an awkward school girl, but
had developed into an accomplished
young lady, so my friends said
My sister-in-law and | were spend
ing the summer in one of our univer-
sity towns, which was also a summer
resort was surprised one morning
to receive the following letter:
Miss Usher:-I believe you are
the possessor of an owl parrot which
| saw at your brothers house. | am
very DESTROYS of securing one, and ii
you can make up your mind to part
with yours, win pay whatever you
ask will call this evening and re-
ceive your answer. Respectfully,
Philip Sanford"
who is Philip Sandford?" in
quired.
There is a professor at the college
by that name. / know of no other
Why, this must be from him." Clara
answered, reading my note. will
you let him have your Thanksgiving
duck?' she asked, laughingly
No, indeed l shall not part with
it. But why could he not have sent
his address, so that I could answer,
instead of having to meet some stern
old professor who viii peer at me
over a pair OF gold-rimmed glasses
know I shall feel as though l had
been in mischief"
You win be afraid to refuse him,
and give up your parrot at once"
you are mistaken; shall keep it
you see if I don'tl"
And it was with this determination
that I entered the parlor that even
ing. after receiving Professor Sand
ford's card
Miss Usher. believe" said a gen.
= man, rising.
bowed in surprise. for my visitor
was young.
4 nave called to receive your an
swer regarding that owl parrot" he
said. smiling.
Carrie Usher" thought |, now be
on your guard or You will say yes. .
So I answered, Il have decided not to
part with it."
81 am sorry; but could rot per
suade you TO reconsider your deter
mination? Specimens Of that kind are
scarce"
Something in the speakers glance
made me start; certainly had met
him before.
a would ike to accommodate you
but I do not wish to part with the
bird" / answered firmly.
4 cannot insist. but if you should