THE HEN FEVER. 157 



to hatch but one brood of chickens. The rats carried them 

 off by the third morning after they came into this world. 

 The hens sometimes lay, I believe ; at least, my man says so. 

 I have never seen any eggs from them myself, however. I 

 have no doubt this species of fowls (these Changays) do lay 

 eggs, though. There are twenty-two of them. Buy them, 

 Mr. B ," continued the doctor, urgently. 



I said no ; I really did not want them. 



" I had nigh forty of them," continued the doctor, " two 

 months ago. But they have disappeared. Disease, roup, 

 vermin, night-thieves, sir. Will you buy them? John 

 -= — drive them out ! " 



The fowls were driven into the main yard. There were 

 but sixteen in all. 



"Where are the rest, John?" inquired the doctor, 

 anxiously. " There were twenty- two here yesterday." 



" I dunno, sir," said John. 



" Drive 'em back, and box them up, John. Mr. B , 



will you make an offer for the remainder ? To-morrow I 

 shall probably have none to sell ! Will you give anything 

 for them ? " 



I declined to buy. 



" Will you permit me to send them to you as a present, 

 sir ? " he continued. 



I did not want them, any way. I had a full supply. 



" What will you charge me, Mr. B , to allow them 



14 



