A Rare Bird.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XIX, 8 November 1902, Page 1160

A Rare Bird.

British army pets are of necessity limited in number by regulation; otherwise each regiment would be cumbered with a menagerie. But when Tommy Atkins wants a new pet very much, he generally finds a way round rules even if it involves a little cutting of red tape, and he is often assisted’ -by his official superiors, if they are kind-hearted. A troopship lately put in at Malta for a few hours, and one of the sergeants went on shore to pay a visit to a soldier son who was stationed there. When he returned he carried a small, woolly dog under one arm. It was an engaging young thing, but the quartermaster steeled his heart and shook his head. "Official number of dogs already on ship," said he, uncompromisingly. The sergeant tried palaver, but it availed nothing, so after looking perplexed for a space he re-entered the boat in which he had eome off to the ship, and returned to shore. When he came back he carried a bird-cage containing a strange-looking creature. It was covered with gay feathers.' but it had four legs. “Can't pass that there dog on board ship,” said the sentry, and the quartermaster bore out this verdict. “Dog, sir?” echoed the sergeant, in surprise and disgust. Can’t you tell

a Maltese bird of paradise from a dog? And you that up in feathers that perfessers consult with ye!” “Pass John Smith and one Maltese ■bird of paradise!” sang out the qtartermaster, with a broad grin. “There isn’t any order against taking birds on board as I knows on," remarked John -Smith, as he came

over the side. And his expression <>f triumph did not fade even when, in the course of a few days, the feathers on the rare bird came off in the wash.