Year: 1879

HoRATIo WISE, QUADRUPED CoUNTRYMAN,


RAMBLEs THROUGH THE CITY TO SEE THE


sIGHTs-A POLL PARROT ENAMoRED OF HIS


BRAY.


r ,osT-JULY 4. GREEN PARROT s. REWARD FOR
STRAYED, FROM PIER EAST RIVER. BLACK
OMule. 10 A. NJ. yesterday


There seems nothing particularly striking to the
average reader in these two advertisements from
yesterdays HERALD. And yet in each there is
story Of pathetic interest. The Of an ordinary
mule straying away would not o rule occupy the
thoughts Of the public for any great length of time,
but the habits. occupation and life of Horato Wise
lfor this animal called) of such nature
as to cast about his disappearance the halo Of ro-
nance. Horatio country mule. and although
he had travelled extensively through the interior.
having been employed for some years various
canals. he had never before visited the metropolis.
That his arrival should a day Of national
celebration a matter of chance purely, but the
fact no doubt had much to do with his subsequent
adventures.


"sTRANGE COUNTRIES FOR SEE"


He was attached to the person of Mr.. John Smith.
of the caEalboat Hitchcock lying at the lower
piers OF the East River, and the morning of the
Fourth was permitted, with other four-footed mem
bers of the crew. to stroll upon the pier and amuse
himself as best he might tor an hour or two. Now
Horatio, before stated, had much of country
lfe and had spent various Fourths OF July at
try villages where the day duly and 5ucoli-
cally celebrated. Notwithstanding this. however he
hardly prepared for the sights he from that
pier. He had seen the stoveplpe OF tho Nancy Jane
decorated with the national colors and had perhaps,
witnessed the gathering OF fleet OF craft similar to
the one to which he attached all gayly Haunting
bedtcks and unbleached muslin. but he had
never New York excursion boat on
public holiday. and the sight filled him with emo.
tions to his breast He had seen the glare OF
the country rocket and heard the whiz OF the festive
cracker, but never until Friday had his ears
tingled and his brain whirIed with the roar Of the
great guns OF the Navy Yard He had the coun-
tryman whirling his sweetheart to picnic IN red
such thing as New York "chowder party" starting
on Its tour or devastation While he stood and
revelleSin these sights an impulse to explore this
hitherto unknown world came upon him and grew
stronger with each moment. He passed quietly to
the end of the pier and saw Mr. John Smith, his cap.
tain. sitting on piece OF wood smoking his cigar
aud lazily watching the romping of his crew.
Horatio dropped his right ear over his right eye to
hide the settled determination there expressed. and
assuming his peculiar look of artfuness stepped
slowly to the pavement and hied him away.


EXCITEMENT THE BOAT.


In a few minutes ali confusion board the
Hitchcock. The crew summarily tied up. and
the cap ain roared to the first officer that "Horatio
had got loose. He, in turn passed tho information
below to the chief engineer, who, imagin ng nat the
boat was on fire. rushed to the companion ladder to
escape. t.s


"Horatio must be found if we never leave this
port. said the captain. as he buttoned up his coat
and strobe across the street for nip


poor ole Wise" tearfuly murmurod the cook.


Horatio passed slowly up South street and disap-
His track lost for al hour so, and
have record Of him until he discovered at south
ferry gazing on the throngs passing to and fro Here
who threatened him with his club. Hora-
ito. after weighing the clubber for some
end that etfectually routed the police force-shield
club and buttons. Again he disappeared. and it Is
not known whether he went down TO Coney Island
or not. Another hour two had passed when he
again made his appearance amid crowd Of small
boys on the west side They. vi, ing him as a pos.
proceeded to capture him Ui ct Srnis. surrounding
him they began pound him with sticks, but he had
mind the occasional whack of the bludgeon. OF
course he escaped after liberal display Of muscular
ability and making his way rapidly up town. entered
some Vt the quiet aristocratc streets.


PRETTY FOLLY


While passing down one OF those streets he would
occasionally laugh at the thought Of his escape and
q the cool breezes waited the mellow, ripping
laughter onward 1t was borne to the ears OF the
green parrot Every one has heard the story Of the
frog who would be ~ large rs bull but 1t may be
doubted II 1t ever came within the opportunities OF
the naturalist to observe parrot attempting the
cage. pampered aristocrat. Not wish of hers
was Expressed but ready hands gratihed it. She
Horatio approaching and heard the sweet melody he
carolled. An attempt to initiate it was unsuccessful
and second and third were equally So 4 he voice
WAS too much for her and the more she the
greater the din culties appeared to become. H0ratio
had reached the house and hearing what appeared
to be an echo of hts roundelsy paused to mark tho
effect OF higher style or vocalization. He
struggled and the parrot did her best to initiate but
Oil to purpose. Horatio passed on, and the
desperately enamored bird, hopping from her perch
followed the OBJECT Of her admiration. Together
the pair strolled away, now and again attempting
travesty on some popular air, but more often
ut times almost overwh, lined them. so they passed
on. happy in each others company, through the
crowded streets OF the metropolis. seeking the quiet
lanes and green fields that lie beyond.


Hence the advertisements quoted above.