The Alaska citizen., 1913-12-01

ducks. but how do ycu know thi.
 fellow didn't slip you volunteer duck? Some of those things in the
 window looked like chickens to me
 And suppose this Is duck. Maybe
 there's something wrong with him
 I'm not knocking this duck. ycu un
 derstand, only 1t seems to me, a reaI
 big leaguer would have been swim
 ming and not loafing around on q
 sand pile"
 The point of this argument enter
 cd Bush Hawley's soul He paused
 irresolue. scratching his nose with i his disengaged hand. From the
 bag came sounds of querulous dis sent
 | By George." said Bush 'I never thought of that"
 Very cautiously he opened the mouth oe the bag. and peered into Its depths.
 He looks all right" said Bush thoughtfully. but if we give him 1 70 OMalley's kid and he turns out | to be semi-pro, CT minor-league duck, Charlie will have the laugh on Us. How are we going to tell whether he's all there or not?" At this interesting point Hand 8 me Harry brought forth his second inspiration.
 I've got it," he said. If he's a | real big-league duck. he'll swim. Let's take him over to DugaD's and put him In the tub behind the bar | If he can't swim, we'll take him back to the market and ask waivers on him.
 "Immense." said Bush admiringly You've surely got a great head, bo, And just tao make 1t interesting I'll bet you the drinks he swims!" Right" said McCarter.
 Now begins the public career of the duck.
 Michael Dugan and his hired men were earnestly endeavoring to keep abreast of the evening rush, and were therefore slightly amazed when two young men in evening cl thes climbed upon. the bar, and requested the use of the bar tub as a means of settling bet. One of the young men carried large paper bag. from which he produced a fluffy, yellow ball. which rolled over and over on the bar righted itself with a lurch and went staggering about in cir cle. Quacking in an agitated man ner
 Well. I'll be blessed!" said Du gan. "A duck! Now, what's the argument"
 A dozen men, waiting to be served left their places. and crowded about the ball players, hastily picking up the thread of contention.
 T say this Is big-league duck." announced Bush. q bet the drinks for the house that he can swim."
 Don't believe it!" said McCarter Why, he can't even walk. let alone swim. He's Charley-horsed in both legs!"
 The bystanders mmediately rang ed themselves on either side of the question. Loud discussions arose. arguments swelled nightly. for every man who believed the duck could swim was another. equally positive that the duck was too small. too in experienced of aquatic performance. Perhaps since the world began. no of such controversy. And each sep arate argument ended the same way: Bet you the drinks for the house!"
 Now. then" said McCarter. at last. put him in the tub, Bush." Hawley captured the duck. and went behind the bar; the disputants climbed upon the rail and leaned ov- CT. the better to witness the launch ing. Very gently Bush Hawley low cred the duck into the water, and unclosed his fingers. Without the slightest hesitation. the duck struck out bravely, and its quacking was drowned In tremendous cheer which brought men running from the street to see what was happen ing. These also climbed upon the bar. and added their tribute to the uproar. Around and around the tub skinned the duck, propelled by in- visible strokes of It's tiny feet; from time to time it canted its head side wise. and examined it's audience with bright. inquiring eyes. gabbling und- CT it's breath
 Then the losers began to pay their bets, and, oddly enough, the esteem in which the duck was held increas- ed with each liquidation. Then and there the duck began to entail con- sequences. It would be hard, indeed, to say how many husbands were de- tained. how many dinners grew cold. how many wives lost their tempers, how many lies were invented be- cause of that duck Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment cwelljDp with natural nride ga the