118

Concord, Mass.
1916

  Both birds seemed perfectly well when I left them and
returned to Cambridge for the winter, on November 4 [November 4, 1916]. Burbank
noticed nothing wrong with either of them during the next
two months but early in January 1917, the Guinea hen
sickened and died - somewhat emaciated. Although then
in apparently vigorous health and normal flesh the Goose
breathed his last only a few days later - having meanwhile
declined all food, however tempting. Perhaps it merely happened
so but I am more inclined to think that the one no longer
cared to live without the other. Nor is it difficult for me
to believe that if there be really spiritual existence after death
for any mortal creatures it will not be denied these two
or vouchsafed them on terms less mutually intimate
than those enjoyed by them while living. However all that
may be regarded everyone who takes interest in this
avian romance must admit that it had a singularly
appropriate ending.