XLIII. His Desertion 



YESTERDAY the old gobbler disappeared 

 on a war expedition and did not return 

 last night. This morning I must organ- 

 ise a rescue party and go after him. The 

 party will be organised not to rescue him, but to 

 rescue the neighbour on whom he has billeted him- 

 self. No one has any idea which direction he took, 

 so we may have quite a hunt. But I am not afraid 

 of losing him. An apoplectic gobbler of his size 

 is easy to identify. But the old pirate should be 

 at home, looking after his family, which is at pres- 

 ent breaking through the shell. Last season he was 

 a most devoted parent and looked after his family 

 with unflagging care. He took them to the woods 

 to get beechnuts and still kept one eye on the 

 granary door, so that they could be on hand when 

 the chickens were being fed. This year he will not 

 have so large a flock to look after, but that does not 

 excuse him for desertion and neglect. He must be 

 rounded up, brought home and reminded of his du- 



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