Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-10
MOLLIE'S CHICKEN BUSINESS

"hch AAi' Nidy DOusHl the clinton laEm
1t settled the summer question forever in
the family There would be no more dis
cussions. for every one agreed that the
farm meant everything 1t was in the heart
of beautiful country. with hills near
enough to climb. There was a pretty lake
within tramping distance. There were de-
lghtful walks in every direction. And
above all, 1t was regular country farm
where milk and eggs and cream and butter
Moved like honey. 1t was a place where
boys and girls could dress their simplest
and be their happ!eSt. and this pleased
Molie and Ted most of all. They had feel
ing recollectons OF stiff clothes, carefully
brushed hair and prim manners. which
seemed to be ironed in with the starch OF
their clothes. All these misfortunes were
associated with various country places, so
that naturally they rejoiced In their free
dom.
Mr.. Gray had spent great deal In the
purchase of this farm. and in family con-
claVes 1t was resolved that during the first
year all should lend hand toward making
1t a profitable investment.
John. who was nome from college. was to
oversee the farming. Margie was to attend
to the flowers and vegetables with the help
of their man-of-all-work Mrs. Gray's
charge was the dairy. The twins Molie
and Ted. who usually worked in harness.
demanded the care of the chickens. and
were overjoyed when their father formally
presented them with the paddock and key
belonging to the hennery.
But remember he warned them, this
is business arrangement: we are not rails
ing chickens to make pets of them, but 10
cook and eat. just as we will do with Mar
gie's vegetables. So let me warn you
against any strong attachments in the hen
house..
The two found their new occupation very
absorbing. but as they differed many
points they decided to equally divide their
charges. This was easily done with the
help of the hired man and a wire partition
was put up to keep the boundary line. To
avoid all further mistakes Ted neatly
bound bit Of red flannel on the right
drumstick of every fowl for which he was
responsible. AS the young h!ckens became
OF age they too wore the bit of red flannel
as a badge Of distinction. The children
found this plan an excellent one. even
though Teds side of the hennery did look,
as John said. Ike hospital for rheumatics.
They were in earnest over Their work.
and kept the family we'll supplied with
fresh eggs. besides watching over many a
new brood of fuzzy. downy little chicks. But
one thing they could not control, and that
was their affections Ted loved them all
alike. and secretly confded to Molly that
he was afraid he would not be able to eat
any chickens when it got to be killing time.
Mollie had, unconsciously. certain favorites,
and in rejecting upon the matter sh' de-
cided that her heart would surely brlak il
any of them were sacrificed.
OF course, they both knew how foolish
they were, and yet when M. Gray visited
the hennery one day and pointed out sew
eraI plump fowls for immediate execu-
ton poor Ted and Mollie looked crest
fallen, indeed. Mr.. Gray took no notice as
he went on with his inspection. He praised
their good work and left them staring
biankly at each other. and then at the help
less victims strutting about and picking
up gravel as If there were no tomorrow.
II never thought they'd do it," groaned
Ted.
TIT reminds me of the French revolu-
ton and Mollie choked back a sob.
But we promised" said Ted. Il guess
It's only right, you know. Are you going to
eat any,"
lin awfully fond of chicken" con-
fessed Mollie. but her eyes filled with tears
Look here said Ted I'VE won't be silly
and get laughed at If we don't see 'em
kiled-what's the difference. I've made up
my mind to forget soon as / 'em
Drowned and on the table. They'll look
very different without the feathers and the
red flannel. If we make a fuss we'll never
be allowed to raise any more. and It's lots
of fun"
Besides" said Mollie. philosophically.
1--WE can keep on raising them and the hem
one of my darlings lying dead" here
Mollie shuddered. overwhelmed by the
thought
So they arranged with Mary. the cook,
their afternoon walks. and If they missed
a familiar feathered friend among the
brood next morning they said nothing.
But alas one afternoon Mollie came sud
denly upon a sight which made her heart
stand still. She saw Fantail. the most
beautiful Of all her chickens. and the best
beloved. caught by the hired man, ready
for killing.
She turned and upstairs fast as
her feet could carry her. and did not make
her appearance until dinner time Fortu
nately no one noticed how silent she was.
and all were enjoying the dshful of broiled
chickens. when suddenly Mollie burst into
tears and hid her face in her napkin. Broil
ed chicken was not for her. the day that
Fantail died.
After this Mollie's field of industry was
transferred to Margie's domain OF flowers
and vegetables. Much relieved. she handed
over the business arrangement of the
hennery to Ted.
You have a harder heart" she told him.
with a shake OF her head. You'd never
make good mother" Which statement
being perfectly true. Ted did not contradict
her.