Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-21

He had scarcely finished when there came louder outcry among the fowls. Looking out they sawsa gobbler strid- ing slowly up the path and leading the gamecock with firm hold on the back of his neck. The whole flock of fowls were following. The rooster held back and came on with long but un- equal strides. Never halting, the tur- key led him into the full publicity of the open yard. Now the cock was lift. ed so his feet came only to the top of the grass; now his head was bent low, and his feet fell heavily. Through it all the gobbler bore himself with dig nity and firmness. There was no show of wrath or unnecessary violence. He swung the cock around near the foot of the maple tree and walked him back and then returned with him.. Half his journey the poor cock was reaching for the grass and was then lowered quickly so he had to walk with bent knees.
 Again and again the gobbler walked up and down with him before the assembled flock Hens and geese cackled loudly and clapped their wings. Applause and derision rose high each time the poor cock swung around reaching for the grass, but the gobbler continued his even stride, de. liberately and, as it seemed, thought. fully, applying correction to the quar- relsome bird. Walking the grass tips had begun to tire those reaching legs The cock soon straddled along with a serious eye and an open mouth, but the gobbler gave him no rest. When al length he released his hold the game. cock lay weary and wild eyed, with nc more fight in him than bunch of rags Soon he rose and ran away and hid himself in the stable. The culprit fowl was then tried, convicted and sentenced to the block.
 Its the fate of all fighters that have only selfish cause" said the teacher. He was sitting on the grass, Polly and Tom and Paul beside him.
 Look here" said he suddenly. ''I'll show you another fglN."
 All gathered about him. Down among the grass roots an ant stood facing a big. hairy spider. The ant backed away presently and made a little detour, the spider turning quick ly and edging toward him. The ant stood motionless, the spider on tiptoe, with daggers drawn The big. hairy spider leaped like lion to Its prey. They could see her striking with the fatal knives, her great body quivering with fierce energy. The little ant was hidden beneath it. Some uttered cry of pity, and Paul was for taking sides.
 Wait a moment" said the teacher. restraining his hand. The spider had begun to tremble in curious manner.
 Look now" said Trove, with some excitement.
 Her legs had begun to let go and were straightening stiff on both sides of her. In a moment she tilted side ways and lay still. They saw twin kle of black legs and the ant making of in the stubble. They picked up the spiders body; It was now only an emp ty shell. Her big stomach had been torn away and lay in little strips, and chunks down at the roots of the stub ble. e t"S As z s'
 Its the end of bit of history" said the teacher as he tore away the curved blades of the spider and put them in Polly's palm.
 Let's see where the ant goes"
 He got down upon his hands and knees and watched the little black tiger, now hurrying for his lair. In moment he was joined by others, and presently they came into smooth lit tie avenue under the grass. It took them into the edge of the meadow, around stalk of mullein, where there were number of webs.
 There's where she lived-this hairy old woman" said the teacher-'up there in that tower. See her snares in the grass-four of them"
 He rapped on the stalk of mullein with q stick, peering into the dusty, little cavern of silk near the top of 1t.
 "sure enough! Here ss where she lived, for the house Is empty and there's living prey in the snares."
 "What 6 weird old thing.r said Polly. Gan you tell US more about herY'
 .stI-am ayarr -,rrn,arfs enid Txox.o "a great city grows up in the field. There are shady streets in 1t. no wider than a crickst's back, and millions liv, ing in nest and tower and cave and cavern. Among It's people are toilers and idlefS. laws and Ia wbreakers. thieves and higbwaymen. grand folk and plain folk. Here is the home of the greatest criminal in the city of the field. See. It is between two leaves, one serving as roof. the other as floor and portico. Here is long cable that comes out of her sitting room and slopes away to the big snare below. Look at her sheets of silk In the grass. It's Ike a washing that's been hung out 10 dry. From each a slender cord of silk runs to the main cable Even 6 fy's kick or a stroke of his tiny wing must have gone up the tower and shaken the floor of the old lady. maybe. with a sort of thunder. Then she ran out and down the cable to rush upon her helpless prey.
 She was an arrant hiehvsyman. this old lady-a creature of craft and vio- lence. She was no sooner married than she slew her husband-a timid thing smaller than she-and ate him at one