The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1919-06-25
DADDY,} EVENING
lfAlRY TALE 81
2yfARY @AI1An BONNER
90 As Author
FATHER ROSTERS COMPLAINT.
90 AsAuTnOR

1T most certainly annoys me, cock
a-doodle-do, it most certainly annoys
me-" said Father Rooster.
What annoys you, Father Roos-
ter" asked one Of the little chickens
ut annoys me, my child, when I
hear the people grumbling over the
great ruts in the road"
What are ruts, Father ROOSTER"
asked the children.
So Father Rooster took the chicken
for walk and showed him the great
hollows in the road, or the ruts as he
called them. The chicken was not
very old and didn't know very much
about the world
"And do these ruts annoy you. Fa-
Their ROOSTER" asked the chicken.
"They do. my child, but not because
they are ruts."
II am very much puzzled. Father
Rooster" said the chicken. Il do
wish you would explain"
Father Rooster cleared his throat.
then he crowed, then he strutted
about.
II was getting myself ready to make
a Speech" he said. "Now am all
ready. Anyone else who may care to
listen to my speech will be allowed to
listen.
1T is free, and invite everyone to
hear it. Cock-a-doodle-do 1t is 20 be
a lecture"
IT'S not to be lesson is it?'' asked
another chicken, who had had all he
wanted to have of schooling for some
time TO come
mo, it is not to be lesson" said
Father Rooster
Then l will come" said the
chicken.
$50 will l." said another.
And I will too" said a third.
Il will join you ALL" said fourth.
"Will there be refreshments after
wards?" asked a fifth.
ut will probably be time for sup
per when he gets through" said a
sixth. Still we haven't much else to
do. Chickens and hens and roosters
don't have many engagements"
That's so" replied a seventh.
well, I'll attend"
Father Rooster didn't mind in the
least If they d had. all sorts Of funny
reasons for coming, as long as they
came. That flattered him enough.
We'll, hens and roOsters. chickens.
Mr.. Chairman and Ladies and Gentle
men," he began.
"There is no Mr.. Chairman and
there are no ladies and gentlemen
here" said one of the chickens.
Hush" said the others. mo mat
ter what lecturer says let him say
IL"
So Father Rooster continued.
1T gives me great pleasure to be
asked to speak at this splendid meet
ing"
I'VE never asked him at all, he in
vited himself" said another.
Hush" they all said again.
Il wish to tell you that I hope you
will all join me In complaining against
the ruts in the road There was d
heavy rainstorm. Then the great mo-
tor trucks and automobiles came
aleng. and it is true some trucks pull
ed by horses. but mostly by those
atrocious automobiles
"They made the ruts, and while the
people grumble about the awful coun-
try roads and the ruts they do not
grumble about that horrible invention.
the automobile"
Some of the ruts were made by
horse trucks" one of the others sug:
gested.
Those ruts do not complain
about but | complain about the auto
mobiles which don't get the blame
they should get for making such
dreadful ruts in the country roads.
Let's complain against the automo-
biles," he ended.
"All right we Will" said the rest.
But one little chick, brighter than
the others, said
But oh Gracious. Mercy me. it's
foolish 10 complain when it doesn't
do any good !"