The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-06-25

stood on the porch. Circling my head,
II hung poised before my face and looked
me full ~ the eve as though impressing
upon its mind my appearance for pur-
poses Of future identification. As it rested
on it's wing. / noticed that its right-hand
antenns had been lost in some previous
accident.
Il thought no more Of the incident The
next night ! returned from an evening az
the club. and on reaching tie front door
discovered that ! had no matches. II
was dark night. and ! being somewhat
nearsighted had difficulty in finding the
key hole. Suddenly a spark Of light flew
up from the garden and struck against
the door II was a FREELY. II craWled
slowly down the door, flashing as it went
/ recognized my one-antennaed acquain-
lance II cTaWled 70 the key hole and
before I could stop it entered tine orifice
Its glow shone from within, serving sure
guide for my key, but I dislked 10 crush
my little friend by inserting the key. ami
endeavOred % coax il forth. 7 spent
nearly an hour trying 10 induce the fly
to come out of the key hole. but Il
merely flashed its light and refused 70
bulge. Finally I was forced 30 drive
home the key In order TO get into the
house and retired TO bed feeling quite
saddened by the tragic ending 10 such an
exhibition # gratitude"
HI-The Ambitious AdIutnnt Bird.
The naturalist here drew his handker-
chief, and ii was several moments before
he could resume his narrative and relate
the incident Of the ambitious adiutant
bird
While in India some years ago pre-
pairing biography of the relocated moss
back, ! came across a peculiar instance
Of the effect Of military associations upon
animals. At one Of the posts was a tame
adjutaut bird. which for the sake Of
lucidity. let NE explain. is grallatorial
bird known 10 scientists as Ciconla
argala. The tame bird was remark
ably fine specimen, and was used by the
post for the double purpose Of snake
killer and scavenger and regimeutsl ad-
jutant The real adiutant had died sew
cral years prior 20 my visit and the
home Office having been notified. a new
appointment was expected az any mo-
ment IN the meantime. the soldiers had
trained the adjutant bird 90 an the
greater part q the adiUtant's duties. and
II was an Interesting sight b. see the big,
dignifed fowl at dress parade.
During my stay there was "a small
native uprising. and the regiment took
the field They left the bird behind but
he followed and arrived on tho scene fust
as the battle was at full height With
customary precision the troops were
drawn up in dress parade order. while
the natives were peppering them with
brass bullets from neighboriug trees and
hillsides. Seeing his beloved masters in
line. the adiutant bird marched TO the
front and up TO the colonel 70 make his
accustomed report
AT that moment the colonel fell. shot
through the heart Rushing 20 the side
OF The fallen leader the adiutant bird
plucked OF one Of the c0louers shoulder
straps, and waving II IN his beak and
Tapping his wings, charged the enemy s
trenches. The British troops. seeing the
insignia ~ the leader going TO the front.
followed and drove the natives from their
position. The adjutant-bird was killed
by a bullet. and In token Of its bravery
Uas buried with full military honors and
with the cOtoueIs shoulder straps tied
under its wings / know this was an ac-
tu8l occurrence. as the soldiers told me
about il on their return from the front
and showed me the coloueIs coat. from
which the straps had been removed"