The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1908-11-03
The Prize Chickens
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

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There was to be poultry exhibit
ton at Welchville, and Winthrop
Smith was very anxious to take his
Plymouth Rocks. These had been
hatched in the preceding October so
late that Mr.. Baker, neighbor, had
given them to Winthrop, ito bring
up" as he laighingly said, "by
hand"
They had grown splendidly in the
snug, warm stable of the Smiths,
and by spring handsomer chickens
couldn't be found anywhere. Grand
father Volk-and he had had good
deal of experience in poultry raising
declared, "There isn't a finer lot
of Plymouth Rocks in the country,
TN confident of it,"
While DESTROYS of exhibiting his
pets at the annual May poultry ex-
hibition at Welchville, Winthrop had
40 means of getting them there.
Welchville was fifteen miles away,
and for only this one season, since
he could remember, his father kept
40 horse.
They are fnet" Il was Uncle
;~erbert, who had driven over from
Buxton, the last week in April, and
was stopping at the Smiths for din
Aer. They ought to go to the ex-
hibition. Chickens like those are
good to see, even if they shouldn't
lake prize! But I have an opinion
that they will"
"Not-not if I can't get them
here" replied Winthrop, slowly.
That's true! Let me see," and
Uncle Herbert puckered his brow a
minute. II have an errand at South
Paris that has to be done soon.
:an do it early in May, just as well
as not, guess. That's when the ex-
uibitfon is to be held"
Yes, from the 4th to the eth"
put in Winthrop, eagerly.
True" and Uncle Herbert looked
hurriedly at a memorandum. 1T can
do my errand there, and take you
and the chickens right back to
Welchville. You can stay with us
at night: your Aunt Mary will be de-
lighted to have company if you care
to stay"
"Hurrah!" and Winthrop hurried
to the house to tell the good news.
Early in the morning, on the I'd
of May, Mr.. Smith told Winthrop
that he wished him to rake up the
woodward during the day, and wheel
the chips into the shed. ut should
be done before any more rain comes"
he said.
All right" replied Winthrop.
That afternoon, while at work,
Winthrop heard down by the fence
call whistle"
Its Payson Barber" he thought,
setting the handles of the wheelbar-
row down. On going round the cor
ner, he discovered Payson and How
ard Nickerson down by the road, on
the other side of the lot fence.
Come down here a minute!"
called the older of the two boys.
Winthrop left his work, and ran
down to the road.
We're getting up nine,'' ex-
planned Payson, ito play the village,
and we want you to pitch"
"Goody!" exclaimed Winthrop,
excitedly. I've wanted a game ever
since the snow began to go off,"
Can you Gomez" asked Howard,
looking fondly at his new ball.
Certainly" And then, suddenly,
I'll forgot don't believe II
can. There are the chips to wheel
in"
Never mind those!" pressed Pay.
son. Amy old time will do fol-
chips; 'tisn't so with baseball!p
Guess I'll go!" and Winthrop
climbed over the fence.
Wen beat them now sure" cried
Howard, jubilantly.
Il should say sol" added Payson
but. turning to Winthrop, "wher
we saw you raking, we thought wed
have to give you up"
Winthrop made no reply; he
seemed to be thinking.
They went only a little farther
however, when he suddenly stopped
in the road. "Say, boys, don't think
] ought to go, really don't! Father
set me to work, and said he wanted
the job done. FL guess you'll have
to play without me this time. I'm
sorry. awfullyl"
"Oh, come on" urged Payson.
YES" insisted Howard.
mol" and Winthrop said 1t SC
firmly that the two boys saw i
would be useless to coax him further
"I'll play next time" he called back
as he hurried up the HILL
The chips we're nearly all in wher
horse and wagon drove into the
yard.
Why, hello, Uncle Herbert" CRIED
Winthrop, in surprise. How die
you happen to come over to-day?"
II found that had to go to SoutE
Paris earlier than expected, ant
so came round this way for you ant
the chickens. No, | haven't time t.
unhitch. was afraid | might FIND
you away. hoped not, for
couldn't come again, and / knew
you'd be greatly disappointed not t.
have your chickens-you'd planned
on it scat the exhibition. And, b.
the way, it's going to be fine one.
NY! I'm glad" thought Win