LITTLE FOLKS

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1869, 6 February 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

LITTLE FOLKS

Lillie's Bantam. In one of those lovely villages, within ten miles of Ljndon, a little girl named Lilhe lived; and in the next yard a little bantam rooster had his home. Liliie was seven years old, and the rooster seemed to enjoy her company much better than that of his own kind. In the morning, he could not wait for his little friend to be dressed and come out to play; but his funny good-morning orow would be heard on the top of her front doorsteps, calling her. Ktr mothex would teat her behind the ecreen door, while she curled the oliild'a long yellow hair and Mr. Bantam, standing outside, waited patiently for her to be made ready to come out. Then he would stalk along behind her, although he muoh preferred being carried under one arm. Liliie would pick him up in this way and carry him a long time just as she did her doll, running and romping all the while. One day her mother fearing thai the little fellow would be ill from so muoh hugging, told her to take him hone and put him iv his coop. Liliie did not enjoy this very well, but she did it. Hardly was her back turned when Mr. Bantam gave one of his shrill crows, and hopped out after her as she waa running from the yard. Her mother, who was waiting for her, said, " What a little goose that rooster is !" "He ithn't a goothe ; he's a wooster," iisped Liliie. Sometimes the ohild would stand him on the fenoe and say, " Cvfowt wooster, owow." And if she said it a dozen times he would orow every time, till it seemed as if his little throat must split. The neighbors enjoyed stopping at the house to see them together, and to hear him answer when he was told to orow. But when the fall came, Lilly began to grow ill ; and the doctor, thinking to restore her to health, sent her away from home. The last morning before she went away she lifted the window and called through the frosty air to the bantam, " Cwow, wooster, owow," and (he shrill little crow came answering back. Poor little Liliie never returned. She died away from home. And whether the little bantam grew heartsick or not, I do noi know, but before another spring they found him stiff and cold one morning. His mistress thought he died of some disease such as little bantams are subject to. But I think the little children will think it was of real grief.