He
had scarcely finished when there came a louder outcry among the
fowls. Looking out they saw a gobbler striding slowly up the path
and leading the game-cock with a firm hold on the back of his neck.
The whole flock of fowls were following. The rooster held back and
came on with long but unequal strides, Never halting, the turkey
led him into the full publicity of the open yard. Now the cock was
lifted so his feet came only to the top of the grass; now his head
was bent low, and his feet fell heavily. Through it all the
gobbler bore himself with dignity and firmness. There was no show
of wrath or unnecessary violence. He swung the cock around near
the foot of the maple tree and walked him back and then returned
with him. Half his journey the poor cock was reaching for the
grass and was then lowered quickly, so he had to walk with bent
knees. Again and again the gobbler walked up and down with him
before the assembled flock. Hens and geese cackled loudly and
clapped their wings. Applause and derision rose high each time the
poor cock swung around, reaching for the grass. But the gobbler
continued his even stride, deliberately, and as it seemed,
thoughtfully, applying correction to the quarrelsome bird.
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