The Argosy — page 342: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Li An Old Bird. 317 Now, Joe was going to be married, and was fitting up two little rooms for his marital residence. He thought, perhaps, he could make a neat case for the bird, and ornament the top of a cupboard with it. ‘‘ You shall have it for two shillings; I want to sell it to spite a Jew that’s haggling for it. I can’t abidea Jew!” : So Joe paid his two shillings, rolled his purchase in a red pocket- handkerchief, and went his way. Next day the Jew came again, and peered about for the bird. “T’ye come to offer you four-and-ninepence, Mr. Birch ; you can’t say no to that.” * The bird’s sold,” calmly replied the dealer. Sold! and who has bought him!” exclaimed the other, with dis- appointed agitation. «A young carpenter,” said the dealer. “ Could you tell me where he lives?” *T don’t know. He passes this way from his work, that’s all I can say,” and Mr. Birch turned on his heel and left the Jew to rumi- nate at his door. Just then, Joe came whistling by, and his bag of tools betrayed his calling. ‘The Jew followed him down tothe corner of the street, and then spoke. “I beg pardon—but did you buy an old stuffed bird yesterday ? ” “‘Ves,” said Joe, surprised. | “Tt is a very shabby bird—but I had a fancy for it. Would you sell it again, and make a little by it?” *T don’t know as I would, and I’m not sure asI wouldn’t. I won't decide to-day.” “ Well, I will ask you to-morrow—think it over,” said the Jew. Joe nodded and went on to his dinner. That evening he determined to examine the old parrot, for he felt sure some reason must exist for the Jew’s anxiety about the purchase. Accordingly he took the red bundle out of the cupboard, and untied it, placing the bird ona table before him. Dim with dirt, it had a poor appearance. Joe found a brush and set to work scattering dust from the shabby feathers. Then a duster rubbed up the eyes and legs. Presently a wonderful sparkle from the tips of the claws flashed on Joe’s wonder- ing sight. With a low whistle and a puzzled look, the young car- penter slowly began to roll up the bird in the red handkerchief. *‘T’ll take it to Patty.” “Of course “ Patty” was the intended wife of Joe Smith. She met him with appropriate smiles and blushes at the door of her father’s little workshop, the father being a working jeweller. “Patty,” said Joe, after the usual tokens of civilised love-making had passed between them: “I’ve got something in this bundle that puzzles me.” “Why, what can it be?” cried Patty, and her bright eyes looked so eagerly at him that he forthwith followed her into the little parlour, and untied the handkerchief. Gomichboo (E(@) m