Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-07
SIR PETER.
Written for The Star BY
CLEMENT CHAPMAN YOUNG.
Copyright. 1903. by c. G. roung.,
CHAPTER KIN.
The Combat.

In view Of Sir Peters well known tickle
ness, the constancy he had shown toward
the hen Of his choice was quite unexpected.
Lrcy.s prophecy. that no good would fol-
low such an III assorted match. was al
most forgotten. when one day Pete and
his elderly sweetheart disappeared The
neighborhood was searched, but nowhere
could trace of them be found. Days went
By without news of the ruuaways. when
one afternoon Mrs. yelton heard a peculiar
noise at the door. She opened Ii, and there
was Pete huddled up In one corner of the
yestibuie, almost too weak to stand: his
orce glossy feathers soiled and bloody.
comb cut and generally presenting a woe
begone appearance. He was quickly taken
into the kitchen and his injuries cared fer.
Even Lucy relented:
You sloly am a mizz5le lookin' chicken.
an it all come from mel1In' yose'f r'dic'lous
foolin' round dat ole hen. S'pose some I'D
der rooster mex eyes at her. an co'se you
fight i'm; got lickin fer once. an she
done Hoped wild i'm; no mo- use fer YOU"
But with careful nursing Pete was quick
ly restored to health and vigor, the loss of
few feathers being the only reminder of
his recent escapade. 1t was soon apparent.
however, that his late downfall had pro-
duced no Christening effect upon his indom-
liable spirit: on the contrary. he became
even more quarralsome and pugnacious
With the recollection of hard usage fresh
small whirlwind upon the roosters In the
yard, who taking advantage of his alb
sence. had gradually returned TO former
haunts and lived In fancied security.
One OF the frequent disturbances that had
become almost periodic in their occurrence
"a more than usually loud cackling in the
adjoining yard-hurried Mrs. Velton to the
window. She waited only to see little
nf rad foo ol,ir L., lee,
in the air; then ran down stairs and called
to Aunt Lucy:
Can you see what Pete is doing next
door,"
"Yes'm. I see I'm Been watchin' i'm
some time. He habin greet fun ober in dat
yard"
What is he doing?"
Jes at dis pertic'lar time he tryin' to kill
de big white rooster"
And such a hubbub! The women next
door were shouting. gesticulating and
waving their aprons In frantic efforts to
drive out the intruder while the chickens
with shrIn cackling. few hither and yon in
panicky confusion
Dat amt fair" suddenly exclaimed
Lucy, intent upon the scene
What isn't fair?"
Two ter one. Can't We see de two roos-
ters 'tackin' im?" she cried, growing ex-
cited.
1t certainly was true The little fellow
was engaged in a desperate and one-sided
Lam sakes. but amt he l'tin'. Now dey
bofe at i'm. but he quick as chain ntnin'.
Did We see i'm hit dat big Teller? Gracious
goodness! He done kin one OBJ 'em-no
Qegretfully), not yet, fer he up ag'in. Hill
but dat was anudder good lick. right tween
de eyes Oh. well done Pete" And she
danced around delishtedly.
Lucy, keep quiet; do keep quiet" COM
manded her mistress.
Can't hep 1t Miss Mary you mus 'scuse
oh. but did ye see Pete knock de big fell
Ter down? An dis time he stay down.
Hooray, go in ye blessed chicken" she
yelled. "an' wipe up de groun' wild EN-"
And throwing dignity to the winds, Lucy
waved the dish towel In frantic encourage
ment.
Cant some one stop themr' Mrs. Vel
ton asked anxiously, but her voice was
drowned by the din OF battle. She might
as we'll have talked to the deaf, for Lucy
was lost to everything but the combat rag
ing In the other yard.
Look dar, look dar. say; jes see de fed
ders fly: dats what call f'tin'. Now dey
got Pete down-no, dey aint-yes dey did
but he up ag'in; muffin can keep dat ban
tam down: he a whole regiment in he SET
SAN inter 'em. Pete. knock de feddertoh,
no, but dat was a gfan' lick; come ag'in,
We big lumberin' chicken an git some mo-;
jes' come agin he NOW We down like de
gras' In de fiers.'
1t was useless to appeal to Lucy She
was simply crazy with excitement But to
Mrs. Veltons intense relief, Tom was hast
eHlQg TO Inc rescue.
Hurry. Tom. hurry she called, before
1t Is too late"
Some one had told him. for down the
street he ran like deer, straight for the
scene OF conflict With one agile bound he
cleared the fence; yet before he could In
terfere Pete. gathering strength for a last
mighty effort, hurled himself against the
big rooster, who dropped as though shot.
few upon the fence. and with one feeble
but dauntiess crow. tumbled into his own
yard.
Tom had him in his arms In a twlnkinE.
the little rooster on his feet, and Pete made
brave effort to stand erect; but It was
no use. Swaying to and fro q moment, he
toRpled over and could not rise again.
Bring some anything-ouick"
begged Tom; he's tainted"
Lucy rushed into the kitchen, returning
with a bucket of water, which she dashed
over the PROSTATE form Several boys. at
Uacted by the nose and excitement, Of
fered their aid, and brought from the house
various articles, useless as rsstoratives
But despite their ministratons, Pete lay
quiet. glance at the ugly cash upon his
breast-the sight OF his bruised and bat.
tered figure so motionless and limp-spoke
all too plai.aly OF his fierce encounter Mrs.
Velton knew the gallant rooster had fought
his last fight. Victory was won but In the
hour OF triumph the brave spirit had a.
lently taken fight.
For some moments neither Lucy nor the
boys realized what had come. 10 busy were
they trying to bring Pete back to con-
seriousness. But the look OF concern deep
ened upon each face as ali efforts failed to
revive him
When at last the sad truth forced itself
upon them there was not dry eye IN the
anxious group. The grief OF Tom was pitt
ful to see. He mourned as one refusing to
be comforted. Finally Lucy caught him In
her arms. and they mingled their tears In
q common sorrow.