The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1913-03-11
WAS NOT WEB-F00TED
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
tions as TO their powers OF mastication
in the taxidermist's mind.
Don't be in hurry, SAM" he said.
genially. Come In for minute
The colored gentleman complied and
Mr Kronk, with a wave OF his hand,
motioned TO him to sit down. On a
bench close by lay the freshly skinned
carcass of huge bird, upon which
Sam gazed with appreciative interest.
The taxidermist noted the direction OF
his glance and a beam Of benevolence
frightened the Kronk features.
Are you fond OF goose for dinner,
SAM" he inquired with an air of faith
erly solcitude. Mr.. Johnson's cele
brated grin expanded TO astonishing
proportions.
"Dere am no bird dat beat a nice
goose, NISSAN Kronk he responded,
rapturously.
Your reply is what l should have
expected from such talented epicure,
SAM" commented the taxidermist,
gravely Now, there is q goose" he
continued, pointing to the skinned
fowl which am unable to do justice
to. The fact is that | have been in.
vited to dinner today, and tomorrow
| must 20 out of town early, 30 that ]
don't see just how | can dispose OF
my bird | have about made up my
mind to give 1t 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 gastronomt
cal delight were not lost upon the tax
idermist, and the look OF benevolence
deepened 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
ef you gibs 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 1t under his
arm, still volubly expressing his
thanks Mr.. Kronk stood In the door
way gazing after him
"The bird OF freedom" he mur
INJURED, "is indeed noble fowl, and
Mr.. Johnsons grinders are well adapt
ed to conquer even the stubborn flesh
of that fine specimen of baldheaded
eagle" 40
Al out a 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. | billed
dat goose, an l done parbiled him,
den billed him agen. But 1t warnt
no use. Dat was the all chewinest bird
me an de ole woman ever put tooth
in"
After telling him there must have
been SOM mistake in his method OF
cookery they parted. Two days later
large. snowy owl was in preparation
for stuflng, and Johnson happened to
be passing. The taxidermist hailed
him and, pointing to the owl lying on
the table with its 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, ef faint no trou'
BILE Tse 'ud lake to see eff dat dere am
a web-footed goose fore l carries him
home to de ole woman"