News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1913-04-30
WAS NOT WEB FOOTED
BY GEORGE TlcKELL.

Fine mornin', NISSAN Kronk," re-
marked Samuel Johnson, the colored
porter, as he paused by the door Of
the taXidermist's shop.
Mr. Kronk looked up and smiled af-
fably Sans large, white teeth shone
responsive in his sable countenance,
and the sight OF the twin cleaning
rows of ivory awoke vague specula-
lions as to their powers of mastication
In the taXidermist's mind
Don't be in hurry, SAM" he said,
Ggenially Come in for minute"
The colored gentleman complied and
Mr., Kronk, with a wave of his hand,
mCtioned to him to sit down. On a
bench close by lay the freshly skinned
carcass Of a huge bird, upon which
Sam gazed with appreciative interest.
The taXidermist noted the direction Of
mis- glance and a beam of benevolence
Enlightened the Kronk features.
Are you fond of goose for dinner,
SAM" he inquired with an air of faith
erly solicitude. Mr.. Johnson's cele-
DRAFTED grin expanded to astonishing
proportions.
Deere am no bird dat beat a nice
goose, Nissan Kronk," he responded,
Tapturously.
Your reply is what I should have
expected from such talented epicure,
SAM" commented the taXidermist,
gravely. Nov, there is a goose he
continued, pointing to the skinned
fowl, which l am unable to do justice
to. The fact is that have been in
vited to a dinner today, and tomorrow
I must 60 out of town early, so that
don't see just how l can dispose of
my bird l have about made up my
mind to give it to some deserving per.
SON."
He paused and eyed Mr.. Johnson,
who stirred uneasily in his chair and
licked his thick lips hungrily. These
symptoms of anticipated gastronomi-
cal delight were not lost upon the tax.
idermist, and the look of benevolence
>s1eepened on his face.
Sam" he said, rising and placing
an affectionate hand on the colored !
mans shoulder, II believe you are
worthy of being presented with this
noble bird"
Mr. Johnson's smile threatened to /
divide his ebony countenance into two
separate and entirely distinct halves.
Il tank you a hundred million times
EFF you GIBBS me dat goose, NISSAN
Kronk," he exclaimed, gratefully.
"Then, Sam, the bird is yours said
the taXidermist. In due time the skin
less carcass was wrapped up and
johnson started off with it under his
arm, still volubly expressing his
thanks. Mr.. Kronk stood in the door.
way gazing after him.
"The bird of freedom" he muir.
INJURED, sis indeed a noble fowl, and
Mr.. Johnson's grinders are we'll adapt.
ed TO conquer even the stubborn flesh
of that fine specimen of bald-headed
eagla,"
About week later the taxidermist
met johnson and asked how he liked
the goose.
Dat goose" exclaimed the recipient
Of his bounty, shaking dubious head;
"dat goose war surely de toughest
bird. Clar' to goodness he mus hav'
bin de fader to all de ganders. l billed
dat goose, an / done parbiled him,
den billed him agen. But it warn't
no use Dat was the all chewinest bird
me an de ole woman ever put a tooth
in"
After telling him there must have
been some mistake in his method Of
cookery they parted. Two days later
q large, snowy owl was in preparation
for stuffing, and Johnson happened to
be passing. The taxidermist hailed
him and, pointing to the owl lying on
the table with it's skin drawn over its
head, inquired if he did not want an
other goose. Johnson glanced suspi'
ciously from his benefactor to the bird
and remarked:
See heyah, boss, eff faint no trou'
ole rse 'ud lake to see eff dat dere am
a wek-footed goose fore carries him
home 10 de ole woman"