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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Minnie's Pet Parrot
+
+Author: Madeline Leslie
+
+Release Date: September 14, 2008 [EBook #26617]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MINNIE'S PET PARROT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. A list of corrections
+is found at the end of the text.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Oh, dear! oh, dear me!" Page 85.]
+
+[Illustration: MINNIE and her PETS
+  BY MRS. MADELINE LESLIE
+  MINNIE'S PET PARROT.]
+
+
+
+
+                       MINNIE'S PET PARROT.
+
+
+                               BY
+
+                      MRS. MADELINE LESLIE,
+  AUTHOR OF "THE LESLIE STORIES," "TIM, THE SCISSORS-GRINDER,"
+                              ETC.
+
+
+                          ILLUSTRATED.
+
+
+                             BOSTON:
+                        LEE AND SHEPARD,
+                             1864.
+
+
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by
+
+A. R. BAKER,
+
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of
+Massachusetts.
+
+ELECTROTYPED AT THE BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.
+
+
+
+
+                    TO MY YOUNG FRIEND,
+
+                  HENRY FOWLE DURANT, JR.
+
+                  =These Little Volumes=
+
+               ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED
+
+                      BY THE AUTHOR,
+
+  IN THE EARNEST HOPE THAT THEY MAY INCREASE IN HIM THAT
+      LOVE OF NATURE AND OF RURAL LIFE WHICH HAS EVER
+          EXERTED SO SALUTARY AN INFLUENCE IN THE
+              FORMATION OF THE CHARACTERS OF
+                    THE WISE AND GOOD.
+
+
+
+
+MINNIE AND HER PETS.
+
+  Minnie's Pet Parrot.
+  Minnie's Pet Cat.
+  Minnie's Pet Dog.
+  Minnie's Pet Horse.
+  Minnie's Pet Lamb.
+  Minnie's Pet Monkey.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The object of these little books is not so much to give full, scientific
+information with regard to the animals of which they treat, as to bring
+before the child such facts concerning them as shall interest him in
+their history, awaken a desire to know more of the particular traits of
+each, and especially lead him to be kind to them as a part of God's
+creation.
+
+Natural history we deem, according to the opinion of an eminent writer,
+as "not only the most captivating of the sciences, but the most
+humanizing. It is impossible to study the character and habits of the
+lower animals without imbibing an interest in their wants and feelings."
+
+Dr. Chalmers, who was famous for his interest in the brute creation,
+says, "To obtain the regards of man's heart in behalf of the lower
+animals, we should strive to draw his mind toward them. The poor brutes
+look, tremble, and give the signs of suffering, as we do. A threatened
+blow strikes them with terror, and they have the same distortions of
+agony on the infliction of it. Their blood circulates as ours does. They
+sicken, and grow feeble with age, and finally die, as we do. They
+possess also instincts which expose them to suffering in another
+quarter. The lioness, robbed of her whelps, makes the wilderness ring
+with her cries; and the little bird, whose tender household has been
+stolen, fills and saddens all the grove with her pathetic melody."
+
+The author has been careful to select only facts well authenticated. She
+takes this opportunity to acknowledge most gratefully her indebtedness
+to those friends who have contributed original anecdotes which have come
+under their own observation; and also to state that she has quoted from
+most of the popular English works on these subjects, prominent among
+which are Jesse, Richardson, and Hamilton, on dogs; Youatt, the Ettrick
+Shepherd, and Randall, on sheep; Morris, Brown's Natural History,
+Chambers's Miscellany, etc.
+
+She has been greatly encouraged, in the preparation of these volumes for
+the young, by the flattering reception of the previous productions of
+her pen. If these should meet with similar favor, they may be followed
+by other volumes of the same character and objects.
+
+  THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+MINNIE'S PET PARROT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MINNIE AND HER PARROT.
+
+
+In these little books, I am going to tell you about Minnie, her home,
+and her pets; and I hope it will teach every boy and every girl who
+reads them to be kind to animals, as Minnie was. Minnie Lee had a
+pleasant home. She was an only child, and as her parents loved to
+please her, they procured every thing which they thought would make her
+happy. The first pet Minnie had was a beautiful tortoise-shell kitten,
+which she took in her baby arms and hugged tightly to her bosom. After a
+time, her father, seeing how much comfort she took with kitty, bought
+her a spaniel. He already had a large Newfoundland dog; but Mrs. Lee
+was unwilling to have him come into the house, saying that in summer he
+drew the flies, and in winter he dirtied her hearth rugs. So Leo, as the
+great dog was called, was condemned to the barn, while Tiney could rove
+through the parlors and chambers whenever he pleased.
+
+In Minnie's seventh year, her father bought her a Shetland pony and a
+lamb, which he told her was called a South Down--a rare and valuable
+breed. The little girl now thought her hands quite full; but only the
+next Christmas, when her uncle came home from sea, he told her he had
+brought an addition to her pets; and true enough, when his luggage came
+from town, there was a bag containing a real, live monkey, named Jacko.
+
+These, with the silver-gray parrot, which had been in the family for
+years, gave Minnie employment from morning till night.
+
+You will wonder, perhaps, that one child should have so many pets; and,
+indeed, the parrot belonged to her mother; but when I tell you that,
+though her parents had had six children, she was the only one remaining
+to them, and that in her infancy she was very sickly, you will not
+wonder so much. The doctor said that their only hope of bringing her up
+was to keep her in the open air as much as possible.
+
+"Let her have a run with Leo," he used to say; or, "Get her a horse, and
+teach her to ride. That will do her more good than medicine."
+
+When her father came home from town, if he did not see his little
+daughter on the lawn, playing with Fidelle, the cat, and Tiney, the dog,
+he was almost sure to find her in the shed where Jacko's cage was kept,
+with Miss Poll perching on her shoulder.
+
+When visitors called and asked to see her, her mother would laugh, as
+she answered, "I'm sure I don't know where the child is, she has so many
+pets."
+
+Minnie was not allowed to study much in books; indeed, she scarcely knew
+how to read at all; yet she was not an ignorant child, for her father
+and mother took great pains to teach her. She knew the names of all the
+different trees on her father's place, and of all the flowers in her
+mother's garden; but her favorite study was the natural history of
+beasts and birds; and nothing gave her so much pleasure as to have her
+father relate anecdotes of their intelligence and sagacity.
+
+He had a large, well-selected library, where were many rare volumes on
+her favorite subject, illustrated with pictures of different animals.
+When Mr. Lee could not recall a story as often as she wished, she would
+take his hand and coax him to the library. Then she would run up the
+steps to her favorite shelf, and taking down a book almost as large as
+she could lift, say, playfully, "Now, father, I'm ready for you to
+read."
+
+Mrs. Lee often found them sitting together, talking over the wonderful
+feats of some dog, cat, horse, or monkey, and laughed as she said to her
+husband, "I believe Minnie comes naturally by her love for animals, for
+you seem as much interested in the stories as she does."
+
+Mr. Lee lived in a very handsome house about seven miles from the city
+where he did business. He had made a great deal of money by sending
+ships to foreign lands, freighted with goods, which he sold there in
+exchange for others which were needed at home. He now lived quite at his
+ease, with plenty of servants to do his bidding, and horses and
+carriages to carry him wherever he wished to go.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But in this volume I shall speak of himself, his family, equipage, and
+estate, only as they are connected with my object, which is to tell you
+about Minnie's pet parrot, and also to relate stories of other parrots,
+all of which are strictly true.
+
+Poll was brought from the coast of Africa by a sea captain, who
+presented her to a lady, aunt to Mrs. Lee. At the lady's death it was
+given to her niece, and had been an important member of the family ever
+since. It was not known how old she was when she was brought to
+America; but she had been in the family for fifteen years, and therefore
+was old enough to know how to behave herself properly on all occasions.
+
+Miss Poll had a plumage of silver-gray feathers, with a brilliant
+scarlet tail. Her eyes were a bright yellow, with black pupils, and
+around them a circle of small white feathers. Her beak was large and
+strong, hooked at the end. Her tongue was thick and black. Her claws
+were also black, and she could use them as freely as Minnie used her
+hands. When her mistress offered her a cup of tea,--a drink of which she
+was very fond,--she took it in her claws, and drank it as gracefully as
+any lady.
+
+In the morning, when her cage was cleaned, she always had a cup of
+canary seed; but at other times she ate potato, cracker, bread, apple,
+and sometimes a piece of raw meat. She liked, too, to pick a chicken
+bone, and would nibble away upon it, laughing and talking to herself in
+great glee.
+
+Miss Poll, I am sorry to say, was very proud and fond of flattery. If
+Mrs. Lee went to the cage, and put out her finger for the bird to light
+upon it, and did not praise her, she would often bite it. But if she
+said, "Sweet Poll! dear Poll! she is a darling!" she would arch her
+beautiful neck, and look as proud as any proud miss. Then she would tip
+her head, and put her claws in her mouth, just like a bashful little
+girl.
+
+Poll was exceedingly fond of music, and learned a tune by hearing it
+played a few times; but she had a queer habit of leaving off in the
+middle of a line, when she would whistle for the dog, or call out,
+"Leo, come here! lie down, you rascal!"
+
+Poll was very fond of Minnie, and indeed of all children.
+
+When she saw the little girl come into the room with her bonnet on, she
+exclaimed, in a natural tone, "Going out, hey?" When Minnie laughed, she
+would laugh too, and keep repeating, "Going out? Good by."
+
+Parrots are said to be very jealous birds, and are displeased to have
+any attention shown to other pets.
+
+I think Poll was so, and that she was angry when she saw Minnie show so
+much kindness to Fidelle. One day she thought she would punish the
+kitty; so she called, "Kitty, kitty," in the most sweet, coaxing tones.
+Puss seemed delighted, and walked innocently up to the cage, which
+happened to be set in a chair.
+
+"Kitty, kitty," repeated Poll, until she had the little creature within
+reach of her claws, when she suddenly caught her, and bit her ears and
+her tail, Fidelle crying piteously at this unexpected ill treatment,
+until some one came to rescue her. Then puss crept softly away to the
+farther end of the room, and hid under a chair, where she began to lick
+her wounded tail, while Poll laughed and chuckled over the joke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PARROT AND THE TRAVELLER.
+
+
+One morning when the whole family were in the breakfast room, Poll began
+to talk to herself, imitating exactly the manner of a lady who had
+recently visited the house with her children.
+
+"Little darling beauty, so she is; she shall have on her pretty new
+bonnet, and go ridy, ridy with mamma; so she shall."
+
+In the midst of this, the bird stopped and began to cry like an
+impatient child.
+
+"Don't cry, sweet," she went on, changing her voice again; "there,
+there, pet, don't cry; hush up, hush up."
+
+This conversation she carried on in the most approved baby style, until,
+becoming excited by the laughter of the company, she stopped, and began
+to laugh too.
+
+After this, whenever she wanted to be very cunning, she would repeat
+this performance, much to the amusement of all who heard her.
+
+Poll was a very mischievous bird, and on this account was not let out of
+her cage, unless Minnie or some one was at liberty to watch her.
+
+Mrs. Lee, who usually sat in the back parlor, from which place she could
+hear Poll talk, was sure to know if the bird was doing any great
+mischief, for she always began to scold herself on such occasions.
+
+"Ah, ah!" she exclaimed, one day; "what are you about, Poll?"
+
+Mrs. Lee rose quickly, and advanced on tiptoe to the door, where she saw
+the parrot picking at some buttons on the sofa, which she had often been
+forbidden to touch. Much amused at the sight, she listened to an
+imitation of her own voice, as follows:--
+
+"Go away, I tell you, Poll! I see you! Take care!"
+
+Finding her buttons fast disappearing, she suddenly entered, when the
+bird went quickly back to her perch.
+
+In the afternoon, when her husband returned from town, she related the
+incident to him and to Minnie.
+
+"That shows us," answered the gentleman, laughing, "how careful we
+ought to be what we say before her; we shall be sure to hear it again."
+
+After tea, when Minnie and her father were in the library, they heard
+Poll singing a variety of tunes in her merriest tones. They stopped
+talking a while to listen, and then both laughed heartily to see how
+quickly she struck into a whistle, as Tiney walked deliberately into
+the room in search of her little mistress.
+
+"What a funny bird she is!" cried Minnie; "she runs on so from one thing
+to another."
+
+"In that respect she shows a want of judgment," replied her father;
+"but, by the way, I have a story for you of a curious parrot, which I
+will read.
+
+"A gentleman who had been visiting a friend near the sea shore, and
+concluded to return by way of a ferry boat, walked to the beach to see
+whether there was one ready to start. As he stood looking over the
+water, much disappointed that there was none in sight, he was surprised
+to hear the loud cry of the boatman,--
+
+"'Over, master? Going over?'
+
+"'Yes, I wish to go,' he answered, looking eagerly about.
+
+"'Over, master? Going over?' was asked again in a more earnest tone;
+and again he repeated,--
+
+"'Yes, I wish to go as soon as possible.'
+
+"The questions were repeated constantly, and yet no preparation was made
+for granting his request. He began to be somewhat indignant, and seeing
+no one near upon whom he could vent his wrath, he walked rapidly toward
+a public house near by. Here his anger was speedily changed to mirth,
+for on going near the door he saw a parrot hanging in a cage over the
+porch, from whom all the noise had proceeded."
+
+"Oh, father," exclaimed Minnie, greatly delighted, "that was a real good
+story. Isn't there another one?"
+
+"Yes; here is one where a man made his bird revenge his insults.
+
+"There was once a distiller who had long suffered in his business by a
+neighbor, who had several times reported him to the public authorities
+as one who made and sold rum without a license to do so. At last he
+became very angry at being interfered with, and, as no ready means
+offered to revenge himself, he adopted the following singular method.
+
+"He had a large green parrot, which could speak almost any thing. This
+parrot he taught to repeat, in a clear, loud, and distinct voice, the
+ninth commandment,--'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
+neighbor.'
+
+"Having committed this lesson satisfactorily, the owner of the parrot
+hung him outside one of the front windows of the house, where his
+troublesome neighbor, who lived directly opposite, would be able to
+have the full benefit of the inspired words.
+
+"The first time the neighbor came in sight, the parrot began, 'Thou
+shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor;' and this was
+repeated on every occasion, to the great delight of the neighborhood."
+
+At this moment, Mrs. Lee opened the door, to tell Minnie that Anne, the
+nurse, was waiting to put her to bed.
+
+"It's too early," began the child, impatiently; "I don't want to go
+yet."
+
+Her mother only answered by pointing to the little French timepiece on
+the mantel.
+
+"I was having such a good time," sobbed Minnie; "I always have to go
+just when I'm enjoying myself the most."
+
+Hearing this, Poll instantly began to whine, "I don't want to go," and
+then, putting her claw up to her mouth, sobbed, for all the world, just
+like her little mistress.
+
+Minnie wanted to laugh, but she felt ashamed, and did not like to have
+her parents see her; so she said, "Keep still, Poll; you've nothing to
+do with it."
+
+This reproof only excited the bird the more, and in a loud, angry tone,
+she went on,--
+
+"Keep, still, Poll! don't meddle! don't meddle! Ah, Poll, what are you
+about? Take care; I see you!"
+
+Mr. Lee watched his daughter anxiously, to see whether she would recover
+her temper, and was pleased to observe that she presently advanced to
+the cage, when she held out her finger to say "Good night" to her pet,
+as usual.
+
+"Good night; say your prayers," repeated the bird, holding out her
+claw.
+
+She then gave her parents their good-night kiss, and snatching Tiney in
+her arms, went gayly from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+POLL'S FUNNY TRICKS.
+
+
+In summer, Poll lived mostly out of doors, hung in a cage at the top of
+the piazza. Here she seemed very much amused at the various operations
+she witnessed.
+
+In the morning, she was placed in front of the house on account of the
+shade; but after dinner, the cage was carried round to a porch, where
+the shed and barn were in full view.
+
+From the front porch, she could salute all the early visitors, and watch
+the butcher's cart as it passed, often startling him with the inquiry,--
+
+"What have you to-day?" Then, if no one answered, she would quickly
+reply, "Veal," or, "Only veal to-day."
+
+But her greatest amusement was to watch a family of children, who lived
+nearly opposite. There was one child just commencing to go to school--a
+duty which he disliked exceedingly.
+
+As soon as Poll saw him she would begin, "You must go, or you'll grow up
+a dunce."
+
+Then she would whine, and cry, "I won't go, I say I won't."
+
+"Go right along, you naughty boy, or I shall tell your father."
+
+Poll now begins to sob and sniffle in earnest, when she suddenly stops
+and begins the whole conversation over again, greatly to the merriment
+of her hearers.
+
+There is, however, one trick that Poll has learned, which is quite
+inconvenient.
+
+Near Mr. Lee's house, the ground rises, his residence being on a hill.
+Teams loaded with coal, and other heavy articles, continually pass by,
+it being of course quite an object with the drivers to get the horses to
+the top of the hill without stopping on the way.
+
+But this would spoil Miss Poll's fun. When they are about half way up,
+and just in the steepest part, she calls out, "Whoa," in a loud,
+authoritative voice, so exactly in imitation of the driver that they
+obey at once. This she repeats as often as he attempts to start them
+forward, until, greatly vexed, I am sorry to say, he sometimes swears
+at both the horses and the bird.
+
+Nor is this all. When the teams have reached the top of the hill, and
+the driver wishes to let them stop and breathe, Poll begins to cluck for
+them to go on, and will not let them rest until they are out of her
+sight, when she begins a hearty laugh over her own joke. In the mean
+time, the driver frets and fumes, and wishes that bird had the driving
+of those horses for once.
+
+Poll has formed quite an acquaintance with most of the children of the
+neighborhood. At one time, there was a great excitement among the boys
+in regard to a company of soldiers they were forming. On Wednesday and
+Saturday afternoons, they marched up and down the street, past Mr.
+Lee's, beating a drum, and singing, "Rub-a-dub, dub! rub-a-dub, dub!
+Hurrah, hurrah!" As soon as they were out of hearing, Poll began the
+story, and went through the drill with great glee.
+
+From the back porch, Poll witnessed the grooming of the horses, when, as
+was often the case, they were taken out for Mrs. Lee and Minnie to ride.
+Indeed, she did her best, as far as words could go, to assist in the
+operation. While the harness was being put on, she continually called
+out, "Back, sir! Stand still! What are you about there?" This was often
+done, greatly to the discomfiture of the hostler, who was obliged
+generally to countermand these orders.
+
+I have told you that Poll was very fond of her friends, and jealous of
+their affection. She was also very strong in her dislikes. There was one
+member of the family whom she could not endure, and she took every
+occasion to vent her spite against him. This was the colored boy who
+blacked the boots, scoured the knives, and ran errands.
+
+Early one morning, when Poll was hanging up at a back window, she saw
+Tom polishing the boots, and whistling a merry tune, never once thinking
+of his enemy near him. Squeezing herself, as she often did, through the
+wires of her cage, she crept silently along through an inner room into
+the shed, when she flew directly at him, caught him by the legs, and
+held him fast.
+
+Poor Tom was frightened nearly out of his senses, and yelled for some
+one to take the parrot away. The servants enjoyed the fun too well,
+however, to release him. They laughed heartily, telling him to shake her
+off; but he was paralyzed with fright, and stood the picture of horror
+until the cook coaxed Poll away.
+
+At another time, she took a great dislike to the groom, who was an
+Irishman. Watching a favorable opportunity, she flew at him, caught hold
+of his shirt bosom, and held it so tightly with her strong beak, that it
+was some time before Mrs. Lee, who was attracted to the kitchen by the
+noise, could make her let go her hold of the astonished object of her
+hatred.
+
+After this, whenever the women servants were displeased with the man,
+they would slyly let Poll out of her cage, when she darted directly
+toward him, and was thus the means of his losing many a dinner.
+
+When his grievances became too heavy, he complained to his mistress, who
+soon put a stop to such unjust proceedings.
+
+One evening, when Mr. Lee drove into the yard, he heard Minnie laughing
+heartily. Approaching nearer, he saw her sitting on the piazza; Leo,
+looking rather ashamed, crouching at her feet; and Poll talking, in
+great excitement, in exact imitation of his own tones--
+
+"Leo, come here! good fellow! Down, sir! Leo, Leo! Hurrah, boys; what
+fun!"
+
+As it was near the time for his master's return, the dog had been more
+readily deceived by the parrot's call, and had run rapidly toward the
+house, when he perceived that he had been made a fool of, as he often
+had been before.
+
+A few hours later, they were talking it over in the library, when Mr.
+Lee said he thought he had read an incident very similar.
+
+Minnie joyfully clapped her hands, while her father took down the book,
+and read,--
+
+"A parrot belonging to a gentleman in Boston was once sunning himself in
+his cage, at the door of a shop. Seeing a dog in the distance, he began
+to whistle, when the animal, imagining it to be the call of his master,
+ran swiftly toward the house.
+
+"At this moment, the bird exclaimed, 'Get out, you brute!' when the
+astonished dog hastily retreated, leaving the parrot laughing and
+enjoying the joke."
+
+"That reminds me," added Mrs. Lee, "of a story a lady once told me of a
+parrot she owned, and which was really a wonderfully intelligent bird. A
+new family moved into the neighborhood, consisting, among others, of two
+young ladies, who always dressed very gayly.
+
+"Polly had a bad habit of making remarks upon the passers by, as she
+hung in her cage overlooking the main street. If, as was sometimes the
+case, persons engaged in conversation stopped near the house, they would
+often be startled by the cry,--
+
+"'Go home, now! Want to quarrel?'
+
+"But when she saw ladies dressed fashionably, she gave utterance to a
+most contemptuous laugh, which would have been insult enough by itself;
+but she often accompanied it by the words,--
+
+"'La, how smart I do feel!'
+
+"My friend called at once on her new neighbors, but unfortunately found
+they were out; she waited a long time for the call to be returned, and
+at last began to wonder that no notice was taken of her politeness, when
+the cause of the neglect was explained by a mutual friend.
+
+"It appeared that on several occasions the young ladies had passed the
+house, and had heard the insulting laugh and words, which they
+attributed to my friend; so that when asked whether they had become
+acquainted with Mrs. G., they answered, coolly, 'We have no wish to make
+her acquaintance.'
+
+"Being pressed for a reason, they at last confessed that they had been
+repeatedly insulted, and narrated in what manner it had happened.
+
+"This answer caused such a burst of merriment that they were surprised,
+until, being told that it was the chattering of a tame parrot, they soon
+joined in the laugh, and went at once to make her acquaintance, and also
+that of her mistress."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+POLL AT THE PARTY.
+
+
+"Please, mamma, tell me all you can remember about Mrs. G.'s parrot,"
+cried Minnie, a few days later. "Was she as wonderful as our Poll? and
+was she as handsome?"
+
+Mrs. Lee smiled. "If I should answer all your questions," she said
+presently, "I should have work for the rest of the day. My friend's
+parrot was green, with a brilliant red neck and tail. She was a great
+talker, and seemed to understand the meaning of much of what was said in
+her presence. I can recollect now two or three incidents which are well
+worth repeating.
+
+"Polly was very fond of children, and enjoyed being let out of her cage
+to play with them as much as our Poll does. One day, when Mrs. G. had
+company, they were all startled by hearing loud and repeated screams of
+distress. Recognizing the voice of her favorite bird, my friend ran
+hastily into the yard, expecting to see Polly in some dreadful trouble.
+To her surprise, there was the bird perched safely on the clothes line;
+but going a few steps farther, she saw her youngest child, a darling
+girl between two and three years old, just balancing over the edge of a
+hogshead of water, and entirely unable to recover herself, or to utter
+one sound. Situated as she was, the poor child could not have remained
+long in that position, and, but for the alarm given by the watchful
+bird, must have fallen into the water and drowned."
+
+"O, wasn't that a good bird, mamma? I'm sure they all must have loved
+her better than ever. Will you please tell the rest?"
+
+"Mr. G. was for a long time ill, and was unable to rest well at night.
+Polly, who always remained in their chamber at night, was in the habit
+of rising early, and practising all her accomplishments by herself as
+soon as she could see. She would begin, 'Mr. G.,' and then go on, 'My
+dear,' the name he always called his wife, 'Francis, Maria,' until she
+had repeated the name of every member of the family; after which she
+chattered away a strange mixture of sense and nonsense until called to
+breakfast. After the gentleman was so ill, his best hours for rest were
+soon after dawn, and my friend would whisper, 'Still, Polly! keep
+still!'
+
+"This caution the parrot tried to enforce on herself by softly repeating
+the words away down her throat--'Keep still; Polly! keep still!' and
+ever after until Mr. G.'s death, whenever she saw her mistress point to
+the bed, and put her finger on her lip, she began to whisper, 'Keep
+still, Polly! Keep still!'
+
+"At Mr. G.'s funeral, the clergyman, who was an Episcopalian, read with
+great solemnity the funeral service.
+
+"The strangeness of the scene, the great concourse of people, and the
+sound of weeping, so interested Polly that she did not utter a word;
+but no sooner had the family returned from the grave than she began to
+utter sounds in sentences so nearly like what she had heard at the
+funeral, that it was recognized at once as the service for the dead.
+
+"I forgot to tell you that, having been in the habit of hearing the
+children when they repeated the Lord's prayer, she had long ago learned
+it, and never went to sleep on her perch without uttering the words
+with apparent solemnity.
+
+"After the funeral, whenever a number of persons were assembled and
+began to talk in a mournful tone, Polly always seemed to think this a
+proper occasion to repeat her funeral service, often occupying an hour
+in the recital. There were no distinct words; but the sentences were so
+similar in length, and the tone so exactly that of the clergyman, that
+many persons recognized it without being told who the parrot wished to
+imitate."
+
+"I think Polly is the very best parrot I ever knew," exclaimed Minnie.
+"I wish Mrs. G. would bring her here. I wonder what Poll would say to
+her."
+
+"Mrs. G.'s bird is dead, my dear; and a sad death it was too. I will
+tell you about it. After her husband's decease, my friend had a little
+Blenheim spaniel presented her--a beautiful creature, with long white
+hair like satin, and salmon ears. She was naturally fond of pets, and
+soon became greatly attached to the dog, who returned her affection with
+all his heart. As soon as she entered the room, he ran joyfully to meet
+her, licking her hands, and showing his pleasure in every possible way.
+
+"For some days she noticed that the bird seemed dull, and talked very
+little; yet she did not connect it with the fact of her attention to the
+dog. But at last as Polly refused to eat, and seemed uneasy when the
+spaniel was present, she was convinced that the bird was jealous. Every
+means was tried to reconcile the old friend to the new one, but in vain.
+Polly knew that children must of course be loved and cared for. She
+herself loved the children of her mistress; but she could not endure
+that any other favorite should divide the affection she had so long
+enjoyed. From this time she drooped; and upon consulting a physician, he
+said she had every symptom of consumption. Her feet swelled, and at last
+she died on my friend's breast, seeming 'happy in being allowed to die
+in the arms of one she so dearly loved.'"
+
+A few weeks later, Mrs. Lee invited a small party of friends to take tea
+at her house. They were all seated in the parlor, and Poll, who was out
+of her cage, perched on the back of a chair in the next room, and
+listened with the greatest curiosity to the hum of so many voices.
+
+Presently one of the ladies related a precious bit of scandal then
+running through the town. She had scarcely finished her narration, when
+a shrill exclamation,--
+
+"Possible!" in a tone of incredulity, came through the open doors.
+
+The relator blushed deeply, but went on to prove that her statement must
+be true, while Mrs. Lee was so much amused, she was obliged to make a
+great effort to keep from laughing.
+
+Again, as soon as the lady ceased, the exclamation,--
+
+"Possible!" was repeated, as if in greater doubt.
+
+This was too much of an insult, and the lady's face kindled with anger.
+
+Mrs. Lee quietly arose, saying, "Poll must come in and make her own
+apology for her rudeness;" and soon returned with the parrot clinging to
+her finger.
+
+"Poll has a bad habit of interrupting conversation," she said,
+playfully, "especially when she wishes to be invited to join the
+company, as at present."
+
+"Could that sound come from a bird?" inquired the lady; "I certainly
+thought it was a human voice."
+
+Many of the company tried to make Poll talk, but she declined for the
+present. After a while, however, when some witty remark was made which
+caused a general laugh, Poll laughed too, both loud and long, and then,
+as if perfectly exhausted with so much emotion, exclaimed,--
+
+"Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!"
+
+Two or three of the company had been invited to bring their children,
+and just at this time Minnie returned with her young friends, having
+introduced them to Jacko and her other pets.
+
+The little girls gathered eagerly around Mrs. Lee, begging her to make
+Poll talk to them.
+
+"Perhaps you would like to play a game of hide-and-seek with her," cried
+Minnie; "she plays that real nice."
+
+"Yes, oh, yes indeed!" was the united response.
+
+"Come, Poll," called Minnie, extending her finger.
+
+The parrot went at first with seeming reluctance, but presently entered
+into the spirit of the play, running after the children around the
+tables and chairs, laughing as merrily as any of them, and every once
+in a while repeating that curious "Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!" as if quite
+worn out.
+
+Minnie then called the little girls into the next room, shutting the
+door behind them, when Poll, putting her head down close to the crack,
+seemed trying to listen to what they said. She well understood the game,
+however, for she presently called, "Whoop," and then hid behind the
+door, to catch them when they came along, crying out, as she did so,
+"Ah, you little rogue!"
+
+After this, she laughed so heartily that none could help joining
+her,--certainly the ladies could not; but all agreed she knew altogether
+too much for a bird, and was the most wonderful parrot they had ever
+seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+POLL AND THE BACON.
+
+
+Minnie went one day with her parents to a neighboring town, to visit
+some friends. She had no sooner alighted from the carriage, than she
+heard the familiar sound of a parrot's voice.
+
+"How do you do, miss?" cried the bird, arching its superb neck.
+
+"I am very well, thank you," answered Minnie, laughing. "How are you?"
+
+"I'm sick, very sick." The funny creature hung her head, and assumed a
+plaintive, whining tone. "Got a bad cough. Oh, dear!" (Coughing
+violently.) "I'm sick, very sick. Call the doctor."
+
+"I'm glad you have a parrot," the little girl said to her companion, who
+stood by laughing. "I have one too; I should admire to hear them talk
+to each other."
+
+"Yes, I should; but mother thinks one such noisy bird is more than she
+can endure. Father had Poll given to him when he was a little boy, and
+he says he couldn't keep house without her. She is very old indeed, and
+is often sick, though now she is only making believe. Father will tell
+you how many years she has been in the family."
+
+"There is nothing I like so well," exclaimed Minnie, enthusiastically,
+"as to hear stories about birds and beasts."
+
+"Oh, I'll get father, then, to tell you a funny one about Polly when he
+was a little boy. He knows all about parrots, because he once went to
+the country where they live."
+
+At dinner, Minnie was introduced to the gentleman, whom she regarded
+with great interest, on account of his fondness for the bird. No sooner
+was the dessert brought on the table, and the servants had retired from
+the room, than Lizzie Monson, her young friend, began.
+
+"Papa, will you please to tell Minnie about Poll finding out who stole
+the bacon?"
+
+Mr. Lee burst into a merry laugh, but presently said,--
+
+"I warn you it is a dangerous business. Our little daughter has such a
+passion for birds and beasts, that if she once finds out you are a
+story-teller, she won't let you off very easily."
+
+Mr. Monson gazed a moment into the sparkling countenance of the child,
+upon which her father's remarks had caused the roses to deepen, and
+said, smilingly, "She does not look very savage. Any contribution I can
+make," turning to the child, "to your stock of knowledge on your
+favorite subject will give me great pleasure."
+
+His bow was so profound and his smile so arch that the little girl could
+not help laughing as she thanked him, while Lizzie whispered, "Isn't
+papa a funny man?"
+
+"Ask your friend to come into the library," called out Mr. Monson, as
+they were leaving the dining hall.
+
+"Father, isn't Poll sixty years old?" cried Lizzie, pressing forward to
+attract his attention.
+
+"She has been in the family ninety years," answered the gentleman, "and
+was then probably one or two years of age. It is astonishing how much
+she knows. Lizzie, run and open her cage, and bring her here."
+
+"She is, indeed, a splendid bird," remarked Mrs. Lee, gazing with
+delight at her richly-tinted plumage. "See, Minnie, how her neck is
+shaded from the most beautiful green to the richest mazarine blue."
+
+"And look at her breast, mother; see those elegant red feathers!"
+
+"The parrot," said Mr. Monson, "is an insulated bird. Its manners and
+general structure, and the mode of using its feet, as described by
+naturalists, are different from any other bird. Mr. Vigors, Mr.
+Swainson, and others, consider parrots the only group among birds which
+is completely _sui generis_. A parrot will, by means of its beak, and
+aided by its thick, fleshy tongue, clear the inside of a fresh pea from
+the outer skin, rejecting the latter, and performing the whole process
+with the greatest ease.
+
+"In climbing, I presume you have noticed, she uses her hooked beak as
+well as her feet; and in feeding she rests on one foot, holding the
+food to her beak with the other. Her plumage is generally richly-tinted,
+while in some varieties, like this, it is superb. In all kinds the skin
+throws off a mealy powder, which saturates the feathers and makes them
+greasy."
+
+"Please, papa," cried Lizzie, "to tell about these birds as you saw them
+in their own country."
+
+"I suppose, Minnie," continued the gentleman, "that you know this is
+not the home of your favorite bird. You never see them at liberty and
+flying from tree to tree, as you do the robin or bluebird."
+
+"Yes, sir, I know that. Uncle Frank was going to bring me another parrot
+from South America, but mother thought one was enough."
+
+"I quite agree with you," said Mrs. Monson, enthusiastically, "I can
+scarcely be reconciled to the noise of one, rousing me at all sorts of
+unreasonable hours, and keeping up such a clatter through the whole
+day."
+
+"They are confined to the warmer climates," the gentleman went on, "and
+are most abundant in the tropics. I have seen a flock of them resting in
+a grove of trees, chattering and talking like a company of politicians
+at a caucus. They are indeed very noisy, keeping together in large
+flocks, and feeding upon fruits, buds, and seeds. At night they crowd
+together as closely as possible, and hiding their heads under their
+wings, sleep soundly. As soon as the first ray of light can be
+discerned, they are all awake, chatting over the business for the day.
+First they make their toilet, and in this they assist each other, being
+very fond of pluming each other's feathers.
+
+"One peculiarity of this bird is, that he has but one wife, and never
+marries again. The pairs form lasting attachments, and when one dies the
+mate sometimes mourns itself to death. They make a kind of nest in the
+hollow trees, and there bring up their young. They belong to the
+scansorial order of birds; that is, they have two toes forward and two
+backward. Some of them fly slowly; but others wing their way with the
+greatest rapidity, and for a long period."
+
+"I think," remarked Mrs. Lee, "they are the most intelligent of the
+feathered race."
+
+"Yes, naturalists decidedly give them that character. Poll sometimes
+seems almost too human; and then they are so quick to learn. Did you
+know, Minnie, that a parrot is considered an article of delicacy for the
+table?"
+
+"O, no, indeed, sir! I wouldn't eat a parrot for any thing."
+
+"Nor I; but among other rare and luxurious articles on the bill of fare,
+described by Ælian, as entering into the feasts of the Emperor
+Heliogabalus, are the combs of fowls, the tongues of peacocks and
+nightingales, the heads of parrots and thrushes; and it is reported that
+with the bodies of the two latter he fed his beasts of prey."
+
+Minnie's countenance expressed great distress, as she quickly exclaimed,
+"O, how cruel!"
+
+"Now, papa," said Lizzie, "please tell her about Poll and the bacon."
+
+"Yes, I mustn't forget that. When I was a little boy, Minnie, my father
+kept a country store, where all manner of things were exposed for sale.
+On one counter, in the genteel part, were cambrics, calicoes, and even
+silks for ladies' dresses, while at the other end were barrels of
+sugar, boxes of cheese, and other groceries, and above them hung large
+legs of bacon.
+
+"Midway between these, a hook was driven into the beam, and there Poll
+used to hang as long ago as I can remember any thing.
+
+"It was the custom for the men of the village to gather together at the
+store, and talk politics, or gossip about the affairs of the place.
+Long before town meeting, it was well understood at the store how each
+man in the community would vote, and who would be elected to the
+different offices.
+
+"Among others who used to come there, was a man by the name of Brush. He
+was considered an inoffensive, well meaning man, with no force of
+character; but all supposed him honest. Poll, however, knew to the
+contrary; and after a while she convinced others that Brush was a thief.
+
+"It was noticed, when this man got excited by the conversation, that he
+always left the circle round the stove, and walked back and forth
+through the store; and it was at such times that he contrived to cut
+large slices from the bacon, which he carefully concealed in his
+pocket. My father soon began to conclude that the meat, and sundry other
+articles, were missing, but could not imagine who was the thief. He
+watched for several days, not noticing that whenever Mr. Brush made his
+appearance, Poll instantly screamed, 'Bacon.'
+
+"One evening he determined to watch, as, the day previous, a larger
+slice than usual had been taken, and he was hid behind a barrel, when
+he saw Mr. Brush coming softly toward him.
+
+"'Bacon! bacon! bacon!' screamed Poll, at the top of her voice.
+
+"'I'd wring your neck if I dared,' murmured the man, glancing
+maliciously toward the bird; and then he walked back again to the fire.
+
+"After this, father watched the parrot, and found he made this cry only
+when Brush appeared. He thought it so singular that he charged him with
+the theft, which the man, in great confusion reluctantly confessed.
+
+"The curious story of his detection by a parrot soon spread through the
+town, and for years Mr. Brush was called by the name of Bacon, while the
+bird received much attention and many compliments for her sagacity."
+
+"I suppose, then, Poll saw him take it," said Minnie, gravely.
+
+"O, yes! He witnessed the whole proceeding, and did his best to give
+warning at once; but his loud cries were not understood."
+
+"Wasn't he a good bird?" asked Lizzie.
+
+"Yes, indeed. I suppose it would be a good plan to hang a parrot in
+every store."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+PARROT SAVING THE SILVER.
+
+
+Minnie was quite distressed one morning, when, on going to Poll's cage
+to say "Good morning" to her pet, she found her unable to answer, only
+returning a feeble moan. She ran in haste to tell her mother, who
+thought it one of the parrot's tricks. When she came down, however, she
+found Poll was really ill.
+
+[Illustration: "Dear Poll! darling birdie!" Page 115.]
+
+"Dear Poll! darling birdie!" she said, tenderly, stroking the beautiful
+head. "I'll make you some tea, which I hope will soon cure you."
+
+She went at once to a side closet, and taking a little pinch of saffron
+from a paper, sent it to the cook, with directions to steep it at once.
+
+Breakfast that morning was a dull affair, without Poll's lively talk;
+and as, after the saffron tea, she did not at once revive, Minnie began
+to mourn so much lest her dear parrot would die, that her father, to
+occupy her attention, took her to the library, and read her some
+anecdotes, a few of which I will repeat.
+
+"A tradesman in London kept two parrots, which usually hung in a cage
+over the porch projecting from the front door, so that when a person
+stood on the side of the street nearest the house, the birds could not
+be seen.
+
+"One day, when the family were all absent, some one rapped at the door,
+when one of the parrots instantly called out,--
+
+"'Who's there?'
+
+"'The man with the leather,' was the reply.
+
+"'Oh, ho!' retorted the parrot.
+
+"The door not being opened as he expected, the stranger knocked again.
+
+"'Who's there?' repeated the bird.
+
+"'Why don't you come down?' cried the man, impatiently. 'I can't wait
+all day.'
+
+"'Oh, ho!' was the only response.
+
+"The man now became furious, and leaving the knocker, began to pull
+violently at the door bell, when the other parrot, who had not before
+spoken, exclaimed, 'Go to the gate.'
+
+"'What gate?' he asked, seeing no such convenience.
+
+"'Newgate,' was the answer, just as the man, greatly enraged at the
+thought of being sent to Newgate prison, ran back into the street, and
+found out whom he was questioning."
+
+"Dr. Thornton, a benevolent physician in London, once visited the
+menagerie in Haymarket, where he saw a parrot confined by a chain
+fastened to his leg. He talked with the bird, and found he could
+imitate the barking of dogs, the cackling of fowls, and many sounds like
+the human voice. The bird, however, seemed melancholy and restless,
+which induced the good doctor to try and buy him of the owner. He
+succeeded at last in getting him for the sum of seventy-five dollars,
+which Dr. Thornton did not regret, since it would rescue the poor
+creature from her present unhappy confinement.
+
+"The first thing he did was to loose him from the chain, and carry him
+home, where his diet was changed from scalded bread to toast and butter
+for breakfast, and potatoes, dumplings, and fruit for dinner.
+
+"At first, his poor feet were so cramped, and the muscles so much
+weakened from long disuse, that he could not walk. He tottered at every
+step, and in a few minutes appeared greatly fatigued. But his liberated
+feet soon acquired uncommon agility, his plumage grew more resplendent,
+and he appeared perfectly happy. He no longer uttered harsh screams, but
+very readily learned many words, and amused himself for hours repeating
+them. He attached himself particularly to his kind benefactor, and
+always cheerfully practised his little accomplishments to please him,
+calling out, 'What o'clock? Pretty fellow! Saucy fellow! Turn him out,
+Poll.'
+
+"He was friendly to the children of the family, and to strangers, but
+exceedingly jealous of infants, from seeing them caressed.
+
+"He was remarkably fond of music, and danced to all lively tunes, moving
+his wings, and also his head, backward and forward, to keep time. If
+any person sang or played a wrong measure, he stopped instantly. When
+his quick scent announced the time of meals, he ran up and down the
+pole, uttering a pleasing note of request.
+
+"When any food was given him of which he was not very fond, he took it
+in his left claw, ate a little, and threw the rest down; but if the
+variety was nice and abundant, after eating what he wished, he
+carefully conveyed the remainder to his tin pail, saving it for another
+occasion.
+
+"Every Friday a scissors grinder came and worked under his window. After
+listening attentively, Poll tried to imitate the sound with his throat,
+but could not succeed. He then struck his beak against the perch; but
+his quick ear discerned a difference. Finally he succeeded by drawing
+his claw in a particular way across the tin perch, and repeated the
+performance of grinding every Friday, much to the amusement of those who
+saw him."
+
+Minnie was so much interested in these stories that she quite forgot her
+grief, until her mother opened the library door to tell her that her pet
+was beginning to sing.
+
+Minnie flew to see her, and before noon had the pleasure of knowing that
+Poll was quite recovered. Indeed, she had never seemed more gay. She
+hopped first on one foot and then on the other, in curious imitation of
+a polka dance, tossing her head on one side in a most coquettish manner.
+
+Then she talked and laughed with Minnie, exclaiming every now and then
+in a cunning tone, "What are you about, you rogue? O, you little rogue!"
+
+The little girl was delighted. She held Poll on her lap, caressing her
+fondly, and calling her by all sorts of endearing and funny names.
+
+The parrot on her part seemed desirous of showing her gratitude for
+relief from pain by doing all she could to please her little friend. She
+often heard the cook calling Tom, who was apt to run to the barn when
+she wanted him; and she began in a loud, impatient tone, "Tom!" her
+voice rising; then again, "Tom!" falling inflection; "Tom!" again; "I
+say, Tom; come here, you rascal!"
+
+Finding this made Minnie laugh heartily, she began to call, "Leo, come
+here! Lie down, sir! Tiney, Tiney," in a small, fine voice, like the
+child's; "Tiney, Tiney, Tiney! O, you little rogue!"
+
+After this she chattered away like Jacko, cocking her eyes and looking
+as if she thought herself very smart.
+
+Once in a while Poll talked Portuguese, which she had learned from some
+sailors who were in the vessel when she came over, more than fifteen
+years before. She began now to talk what sounded to Minnie like perfect
+jargon, but which so much amused the bird that she kept stopping to
+laugh most heartily.
+
+By and by Mrs. Lee was ready to sit down; and she said Poll had had
+excitement enough for a sick bird, but told Minnie if she would bring
+the book about birds, she would try and find some true stories to read
+to her.
+
+The next hour was passed most pleasantly to both of them. Some of the
+stories I will tell you.
+
+"A parrot belonging to a lady in England was fond of attending family
+prayers; but for fear he might take it into his head to join in the
+responses, he was generally removed.
+
+"But one evening, finding the family were assembling for that purpose,
+he crept under the sofa, and thought himself unnoticed. For some time he
+maintained a decorous silence; but at length he found himself unable to
+keep still, and instead of 'Amen,' burst out with, 'Cheer, boys; cheer!'
+
+"The lady directed the butler to take him from the room; and the man
+had taken him as far as the door, when the bird, perhaps thinking he had
+done wrong, and had better apologize, called out,--
+
+"'Sorry I spoke.'
+
+"The overpowering effect on those present can be better imagined than
+described."
+
+"Here is a story," continued Mrs. Lee, "of a parrot who acted as a
+police officer."
+
+"In Camden, New Jersey, Mr. John Hutchinson had a very loquacious
+parrot, and also a well-stocked chest of silver plate. One day some
+robbers thought they would like to use silver forks, goblets, and
+spoons, as well as their rich neighbors, and watching their opportunity
+broke into the pantry.
+
+"They had already picked the lock off the thick oaken chest, and were
+diving down among salvers, pitchers, and smaller articles, when they
+were terrified to hear a loud, angry voice exclaim,--
+
+"'You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!'
+
+"Dropping the silver, which they had taken, on the floor, the robbers
+made a rush for the window, which they had forced open, and in their
+hurry got over the wrong fence into the yard of a neighbor who kept a
+fierce dog.
+
+"Bruno, not at all pleased with the appearance of his sudden visitors,
+sprang upon them, barking at the top of his voice.
+
+"The noise called the police to the place, and one of the robbers was
+secured.
+
+"The watchful parrot saved his owner's silver. When he was praised for
+his timely interference, he would arch his head, and begin at once to
+call out,--
+
+"'You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE PARROT AND THE PRINCE.
+
+
+"When Prince Maurice was Governor of Brazil, he was informed of an old
+parrot who would converse like a rational creature. His curiosity became
+so much roused that, though at a great distance from his residence, he
+directed that it should be sent for.
+
+"When Poll was first introduced into the room where the Prince sat with
+several Dutch gentlemen, he instantly exclaimed in the Brazilian
+language,--
+
+"'What a company of white men are here!'
+
+"Pointing to the prince, one gentleman asked, 'Who is that man?'
+
+"'Some gentleman or other,' Poll instantly replied.
+
+"'Where did you come from?' asked the prince.
+
+"'From Marignan.'
+
+"'To whom do you belong?'
+
+"'To a Portuguese.'
+
+"'What do you do for a living?'
+
+"'I look after chickens.'
+
+"The prince laughingly exclaimed, 'You look after chickens!'
+
+"'Yes, I do; and I know well enough how to do it,' clucking at the same
+time like a hen calling her brood.
+
+"Prince Maurice, as well as the rest of the gentlemen, were delighted
+with the intelligence of the bird, and after keeping him at his
+residence as long as possible, the governor gave him a prize for being
+the most sagacious parrot in the kingdom."
+
+When Mr. Lee returned from the city, he found Poll as bright and
+cheerful as a lark. He brought with him a young man in his employ,
+called Theodore, to whom Minnie exhibited all her pets, and who staid
+till after tea, and then Mr. Lee read a few stories to Minnie, with one
+of which I must close my story of Minnie's pet parrot.
+
+"A prince, named Leo Maced, was once accused by a monk of forming a plan
+to murder his father, the emperor. He was, therefore, though protesting
+his innocence, cast into prison.
+
+"After some months, the emperor had a feast, to which he invited most of
+the nobles of his court. They were all seated at table, when a tame
+parrot belonging to the prince, and which was hung up in the room, cried
+out, mournfully,--
+
+"'Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!'
+
+"This exclamation, which was continually repeated, as if the bird could
+not help comparing their sumptuous entertainment with the prison fare
+and confinement of his exiled master, so affected the guests as to
+deprive them of all appetite. It was in vain that the emperor urged his
+delicacies upon them. They could not eat, while the faithful bird
+repeated his plaintive cry,--
+
+"'Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!'
+
+"At last one of the nobles with tears entreated the emperor to pardon
+his son, whom they all believed to be innocent. The others joining in
+the request, the father ordered that Prince Leo be brought before him.
+He was soon restored to favor, and then to his former dignities, through
+the affection of his faithful parrot."
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+
+The following typographical errors were corrected:
+
+Page Error
+4    LECTROTYPED changed to ELECTROTYPED
+98   and was then changed to "and was then
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
+
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Minnie&#8217;s Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Minnie's Pet Parrot
+
+Author: Madeline Leslie
+
+Release Date: September 14, 2008 [EBook #26617]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MINNIE'S PET PARROT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="tn">
+<p class="titlepage"><b>Transcriber&#8217;s Note</b></p>
+
+<p class="noindent">Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. A <a href="#trans_note">list</a> of corrections
+is found at the end of the text.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 341px;">
+<a href="images/illus-001f-full.png"><img src="images/illus-001f.png" width="341" height="447" alt="Three people looking at a parrot perched on the back of a chair" title="&#8220;Oh, dear! oh, dear me!&#8221; Page 85." /></a>
+<span class="caption">&#8220;Oh, dear! oh, dear me!&#8221; <a href="#Page_85">Page 85</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 353px;">
+<img src="images/illus-001.png" width="353" height="500" alt="A seated girl, holding a cat, surrounded by a pony, monkey, lamb, two dogs, and a parrot" title="MINNIE and her PETS BY MRS. MADELINE LESLIE MINNIE&#8217;S PET PARROT." />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h1 class="chapterhead">MINNIE&#8217;S PET PARROT.</h1>
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="margin-top: 3em;">BY<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-top: 1.5em;">MRS. MADELINE LESLIE,</span><br />
+<span style="font-size: smaller;">AUTHOR OF &#8220;THE LESLIE STORIES,&#8221; &#8220;TIM, THE SCISSORS-GRINDER,&#8221;<br />
+ETC.</span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="margin-top: 3em;">ILLUSTRATED.</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="margin-top: 3em;">BOSTON:<br />
+LEE AND SHEPARD,<br />
+1864.</p>
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="margin-top: 3em;">Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by<br />
+A. R. BAKER,<br />
+In the Clerk&#8217;s Office of the District Court of the District of
+Massachusetts.</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="margin-top: 3em;">ELECTROTYPED AT THE<br />
+BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.</p>
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="titlepage"><span style="line-height: 2.5em;">TO MY YOUNG FRIEND,<br />
+
+HENRY FOWLE DURANT, JR.<br />
+
+<b>These Little Volumes</b><br />
+
+ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED<br />
+
+BY THE AUTHOR,</span><br />
+
+IN THE EARNEST HOPE THAT THEY MAY INCREASE IN HIM THAT<br />
+LOVE OF NATURE AND OF RURAL LIFE WHICH HAS EVER<br />
+EXERTED SO SALUTARY AN INFLUENCE IN THE<br />
+FORMATION OF THE CHARACTERS OF<br />
+THE WISE AND GOOD.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead">MINNIE AND HER PETS.</h2>
+
+<hr class="decshort" />
+
+<table border="0" style="margin-top: 2em; " summary="0">
+<tr>
+  <td>Minnie&#8217;s Pet Parrot.<br />
+  Minnie&#8217;s Pet Cat.<br />
+  Minnie&#8217;s Pet Dog.<br />
+  Minnie&#8217;s Pet Horse.<br />
+  Minnie&#8217;s Pet Lamb.<br />
+  Minnie&#8217;s Pet Monkey.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION"></a>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The object of these little books is not so much to give full, scientific
+information with regard to the animals of which they treat, as to bring
+before the child such facts concerning them as shall interest him in
+their history, awaken a desire to know more of the particular traits of
+each, and especially lead him to be kind to them as a part of God&#8217;s
+creation.</p>
+
+<p>Natural history we deem, according to the opinion of an eminent writer,
+as &#8220;not only the most captivating of the sciences, but the most
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>humanizing. It is impossible to study the character and habits of the
+lower animals without imbibing an interest in their wants and feelings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Chalmers, who was famous for his interest in the brute creation,
+says, &#8220;To obtain the regards of man&#8217;s heart in behalf of the lower
+animals, we should strive to draw his mind toward them. The poor brutes
+look, tremble, and give the signs of suffering, as we do. A threatened
+blow strikes them with terror, and they have the same distortions of
+agony on the infliction of it. Their blood circulates as ours does. They
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>sicken, and grow feeble with age, and finally die, as we do. They
+possess also instincts which expose them to suffering in another
+quarter. The lioness, robbed of her whelps, makes the wilderness ring
+with her cries; and the little bird, whose tender household has been
+stolen, fills and saddens all the grove with her pathetic melody.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The author has been careful to select only facts well authenticated. She
+takes this opportunity to acknowledge most gratefully her indebtedness
+to those friends who have contributed original anecdotes which have come
+under their own observation; and also to state that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> she has quoted from
+most of the popular English works on these subjects, prominent among
+which are Jesse, Richardson, and Hamilton, on dogs; Youatt, the Ettrick
+Shepherd, and Randall, on sheep; Morris, Brown&#8217;s Natural History,
+Chambers&#8217;s Miscellany, etc.</p>
+
+<p>She has been greatly encouraged, in the preparation of these volumes for
+the young, by the flattering reception of the previous productions of
+her pen. If these should meet with similar favor, they may be followed
+by other volumes of the same character and objects.</p>
+
+<p class="right smcap">The Author.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="MINNIES_PET_PARROT" id="MINNIES_PET_PARROT"></a>MINNIE&#8217;S PET PARROT.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr class="decshort" />
+
+<h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 2em;"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">MINNIE AND HER PARROT.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>In these little books, I am going to tell you about Minnie, her home,
+and her pets; and I hope it will teach every boy and every girl who
+reads them to be kind to animals, as Minnie was. Minnie Lee had a
+pleasant home.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> She was an only child, and as her parents loved to
+please her, they procured every thing which they thought would make her
+happy. The first pet Minnie had was a beautiful tortoise-shell kitten,
+which she took in her baby arms and hugged tightly to her bosom. After a
+time, her father, seeing how much comfort she took with kitty, bought
+her a spaniel. He already had a large Newfoundland dog; but Mrs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> Lee
+was unwilling to have him come into the house, saying that in summer he
+drew the flies, and in winter he dirtied her hearth rugs. So Leo, as the
+great dog was called, was condemned to the barn, while Tiney could rove
+through the parlors and chambers whenever he pleased.</p>
+
+<p>In Minnie&#8217;s seventh year, her father bought her a Shetland pony and a
+lamb, which he told her was called a South Down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>&mdash;a rare and valuable
+breed. The little girl now thought her hands quite full; but only the
+next Christmas, when her uncle came home from sea, he told her he had
+brought an addition to her pets; and true enough, when his luggage came
+from town, there was a bag containing a real, live monkey, named Jacko.</p>
+
+<p>These, with the silver-gray parrot, which had been in the family for
+years, gave Minnie<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> employment from morning till night.</p>
+
+<p>You will wonder, perhaps, that one child should have so many pets; and,
+indeed, the parrot belonged to her mother; but when I tell you that,
+though her parents had had six children, she was the only one remaining
+to them, and that in her infancy she was very sickly, you will not
+wonder so much. The doctor said that their only hope of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> bringing her up
+was to keep her in the open air as much as possible.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let her have a run with Leo,&#8221; he used to say; or, &#8220;Get her a horse, and
+teach her to ride. That will do her more good than medicine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When her father came home from town, if he did not see his little
+daughter on the lawn, playing with Fidelle, the cat, and Tiney, the dog,
+he was almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> sure to find her in the shed where Jacko&#8217;s cage was kept,
+with Miss Poll perching on her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>When visitors called and asked to see her, her mother would laugh, as
+she answered, &#8220;I&#8217;m sure I don&#8217;t know where the child is, she has so many
+pets.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Minnie was not allowed to study much in books; indeed, she scarcely knew
+how to read at all; yet she was not an igno<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>rant child, for her father
+and mother took great pains to teach her. She knew the names of all the
+different trees on her father&#8217;s place, and of all the flowers in her
+mother&#8217;s garden; but her favorite study was the natural history of
+beasts and birds; and nothing gave her so much pleasure as to have her
+father relate anecdotes of their intelligence and sagacity.</p>
+
+<p>He had a large, well-selected<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> library, where were many rare volumes on
+her favorite subject, illustrated with pictures of different animals.
+When Mr. Lee could not recall a story as often as she wished, she would
+take his hand and coax him to the library. Then she would run up the
+steps to her favorite shelf, and taking down a book almost as large as
+she could lift, say, playfully, &#8220;Now, father, I&#8217;m ready for you to
+read.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>Mrs. Lee often found them sitting together, talking over the wonderful
+feats of some dog, cat, horse, or monkey, and laughed as she said to her
+husband, &#8220;I believe Minnie comes naturally by her love for animals, for
+you seem as much interested in the stories as she does.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee lived in a very handsome house about seven miles from the city
+where he did business. He had made a great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> deal of money by sending
+ships to foreign lands, freighted with goods, which he sold there in
+exchange for others which were needed at home. He now lived quite at his
+ease, with plenty of servants to do his bidding, and horses and
+carriages to carry him wherever he wished to go.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top: 2em;">But in this volume I shall speak of himself, his family, equipage, and
+estate, only as they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> are connected with my object, which is to tell you
+about Minnie&#8217;s pet parrot, and also to relate stories of other parrots,
+all of which are strictly true.</p>
+
+<p>Poll was brought from the coast of Africa by a sea captain, who
+presented her to a lady, aunt to Mrs. Lee. At the lady&#8217;s death it was
+given to her niece, and had been an important member of the family ever
+since. It was not known how old she was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> when she was brought to
+America; but she had been in the family for fifteen years, and therefore
+was old enough to know how to behave herself properly on all occasions.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Poll had a plumage of silver-gray feathers, with a brilliant
+scarlet tail. Her eyes were a bright yellow, with black pupils, and
+around them a circle of small white feathers. Her beak was large and
+strong, hooked at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> the end. Her tongue was thick and black. Her claws
+were also black, and she could use them as freely as Minnie used her
+hands. When her mistress offered her a cup of tea,&mdash;a drink of which she
+was very fond,&mdash;she took it in her claws, and drank it as gracefully as
+any lady.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, when her cage was cleaned, she always had a cup of
+canary seed; but at other times she ate potato, cracker,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> bread, apple,
+and sometimes a piece of raw meat. She liked, too, to pick a chicken
+bone, and would nibble away upon it, laughing and talking to herself in
+great glee.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Poll, I am sorry to say, was very proud and fond of flattery. If
+Mrs. Lee went to the cage, and put out her finger for the bird to light
+upon it, and did not praise her, she would often bite it. But if she
+said, &#8220;Sweet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> Poll! dear Poll! she is a darling!&#8221; she would arch her
+beautiful neck, and look as proud as any proud miss. Then she would tip
+her head, and put her claws in her mouth, just like a bashful little
+girl.</p>
+
+<p>Poll was exceedingly fond of music, and learned a tune by hearing it
+played a few times; but she had a queer habit of leaving off in the
+middle of a line, when she would whistle for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> the dog, or call out,
+&#8220;Leo, come here! lie down, you rascal!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Poll was very fond of Minnie, and indeed of all children.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw the little girl come into the room with her bonnet on, she
+exclaimed, in a natural tone, &#8220;Going out, hey?&#8221; When Minnie laughed, she
+would laugh too, and keep repeating, &#8220;Going out? Good by.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Parrots are said to be very jealous birds, and are displeased<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> to have
+any attention shown to other pets.</p>
+
+<p>I think Poll was so, and that she was angry when she saw Minnie show so
+much kindness to Fidelle. One day she thought she would punish the
+kitty; so she called, &#8220;Kitty, kitty,&#8221; in the most sweet, coaxing tones.
+Puss seemed delighted, and walked innocently up to the cage, which
+happened to be set in a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Kitty, kitty,&#8221; repeated Poll,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> until she had the little creature within
+reach of her claws, when she suddenly caught her, and bit her ears and
+her tail, Fidelle crying piteously at this unexpected ill treatment,
+until some one came to rescue her. Then puss crept softly away to the
+farther end of the room, and hid under a chair, where she began to lick
+her wounded tail, while Poll laughed and chuckled over the joke.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">THE PARROT AND THE TRAVELLER.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>One morning when the whole family were in the breakfast room, Poll began
+to talk to herself, imitating exactly the manner of a lady who had
+recently visited the house with her children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Little darling beauty, so she is; she shall have on her pretty new
+bonnet, and go ridy, ridy with mamma; so she shall.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>In the midst of this, the bird stopped and began to cry like an
+impatient child.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t cry, sweet,&#8221; she went on, changing her voice again; &#8220;there,
+there, pet, don&#8217;t cry; hush up, hush up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This conversation she carried on in the most approved baby style, until,
+becoming excited by the laughter of the company, she stopped, and began
+to laugh too.</p>
+
+<p>After this, whenever she want<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>ed to be very cunning, she would repeat
+this performance, much to the amusement of all who heard her.</p>
+
+<p>Poll was a very mischievous bird, and on this account was not let out of
+her cage, unless Minnie or some one was at liberty to watch her.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee, who usually sat in the back parlor, from which place she could
+hear Poll talk, was sure to know if the bird was doing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> any great
+mischief, for she always began to scold herself on such occasions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, ah!&#8221; she exclaimed, one day; &#8220;what are you about, Poll?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee rose quickly, and advanced on tiptoe to the door, where she saw
+the parrot picking at some buttons on the sofa, which she had often been
+forbidden to touch. Much amused at the sight, she listened to an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+imitation of her own voice, as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go away, I tell you, Poll! I see you! Take care!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finding her buttons fast disappearing, she suddenly entered, when the
+bird went quickly back to her perch.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon, when her husband returned from town, she related the
+incident to him and to Minnie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That shows us,&#8221; answered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> the gentleman, laughing, &#8220;how careful we
+ought to be what we say before her; we shall be sure to hear it again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After tea, when Minnie and her father were in the library, they heard
+Poll singing a variety of tunes in her merriest tones. They stopped
+talking a while to listen, and then both laughed heartily to see how
+quickly she struck into a whistle, as Tiney walked deliberately into
+the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> room in search of her little mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a funny bird she is!&#8221; cried Minnie; &#8220;she runs on so from one thing
+to another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that respect she shows a want of judgment,&#8221; replied her father;
+&#8220;but, by the way, I have a story for you of a curious parrot, which I
+will read.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A gentleman who had been visiting a friend near the sea shore, and
+concluded to return<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> by way of a ferry boat, walked to the beach to see
+whether there was one ready to start. As he stood looking over the
+water, much disappointed that there was none in sight, he was surprised
+to hear the loud cry of the boatman,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Over, master? Going over?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Yes, I wish to go,&#8217; he answered, looking eagerly about.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Over, master? Going over?&#8217; was asked again in a more ear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>nest tone;
+and again he repeated,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Yes, I wish to go as soon as possible.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The questions were repeated constantly, and yet no preparation was made
+for granting his request. He began to be somewhat indignant, and seeing
+no one near upon whom he could vent his wrath, he walked rapidly toward
+a public house near by. Here his anger was speed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>ily changed to mirth,
+for on going near the door he saw a parrot hanging in a cage over the
+porch, from whom all the noise had proceeded.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, father,&#8221; exclaimed Minnie, greatly delighted, &#8220;that was a real good
+story. Isn&#8217;t there another one?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; here is one where a man made his bird revenge his insults.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was once a distiller<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> who had long suffered in his business by a
+neighbor, who had several times reported him to the public authorities
+as one who made and sold rum without a license to do so. At last he
+became very angry at being interfered with, and, as no ready means
+offered to revenge himself, he adopted the following singular method.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He had a large green parrot, which could speak almost any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> thing. This
+parrot he taught to repeat, in a clear, loud, and distinct voice, the
+ninth commandment,&mdash;&#8216;Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
+neighbor.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Having committed this lesson satisfactorily, the owner of the parrot
+hung him outside one of the front windows of the house, where his
+troublesome neighbor, who lived directly opposite, would be able to
+have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> the full benefit of the inspired words.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The first time the neighbor came in sight, the parrot began, &#8216;Thou
+shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor;&#8217; and this was
+repeated on every occasion, to the great delight of the neighborhood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Mrs. Lee opened the door, to tell Minnie that Anne, the
+nurse, was waiting to put her to bed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>&#8220;It&#8217;s too early,&#8221; began the child, impatiently; &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go
+yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her mother only answered by pointing to the little French timepiece on
+the mantel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was having such a good time,&#8221; sobbed Minnie; &#8220;I always have to go
+just when I&#8217;m enjoying myself the most.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hearing this, Poll instantly began to whine, &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go,&#8221; and
+then, putting her claw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> up to her mouth, sobbed, for all the world, just
+like her little mistress.</p>
+
+<p>Minnie wanted to laugh, but she felt ashamed, and did not like to have
+her parents see her; so she said, &#8220;Keep still, Poll; you&#8217;ve nothing to
+do with it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This reproof only excited the bird the more, and in a loud, angry tone,
+she went on,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Keep, still, Poll! don&#8217;t meddle! don&#8217;t meddle! Ah, Poll,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> what are you
+about? Take care; I see you!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee watched his daughter anxiously, to see whether she would recover
+her temper, and was pleased to observe that she presently advanced to
+the cage, when she held out her finger to say &#8220;Good night&#8221; to her pet,
+as usual.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good night; say your prayers,&#8221; repeated the bird, holding out her
+claw.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>She then gave her parents their good-night kiss, and snatching Tiney in
+her arms, went gayly from the room.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">POLL&#8217;S FUNNY TRICKS.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>In summer, Poll lived mostly out of doors, hung in a cage at the top of
+the piazza. Here she seemed very much amused at the various operations
+she witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, she was placed in front of the house on account of the
+shade; but after dinner, the cage was carried round to a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> porch, where
+the shed and barn were in full view.</p>
+
+<p>From the front porch, she could salute all the early visitors, and watch
+the butcher&#8217;s cart as it passed, often startling him with the inquiry,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What have you to-day?&#8221; Then, if no one answered, she would quickly
+reply, &#8220;Veal,&#8221; or, &#8220;Only veal to-day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But her greatest amusement was to watch a family of chil<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>dren, who lived
+nearly opposite. There was one child just commencing to go to school&mdash;a
+duty which he disliked exceedingly.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Poll saw him she would begin, &#8220;You must go, or you&#8217;ll grow up
+a dunce.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then she would whine, and cry, &#8220;I won&#8217;t go, I say I won&#8217;t.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go right along, you naughty boy, or I shall tell your father.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Poll now begins to sob and sniffle in earnest, when she sud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>denly stops
+and begins the whole conversation over again, greatly to the merriment
+of her hearers.</p>
+
+<p>There is, however, one trick that Poll has learned, which is quite
+inconvenient.</p>
+
+<p>Near Mr. Lee&#8217;s house, the ground rises, his residence being on a hill.
+Teams loaded with coal, and other heavy articles, continually pass by,
+it being of course quite an object with the drivers to get the horses to
+the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> top of the hill without stopping on the way.</p>
+
+<p>But this would spoil Miss Poll&#8217;s fun. When they are about half way up,
+and just in the steepest part, she calls out, &#8220;Whoa,&#8221; in a loud,
+authoritative voice, so exactly in imitation of the driver that they
+obey at once. This she repeats as often as he attempts to start them
+forward, until, greatly vexed, I am sorry to say, he sometimes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> swears
+at both the horses and the bird.</p>
+
+<p>Nor is this all. When the teams have reached the top of the hill, and
+the driver wishes to let them stop and breathe, Poll begins to cluck for
+them to go on, and will not let them rest until they are out of her
+sight, when she begins a hearty laugh over her own joke. In the mean
+time, the driver frets and fumes, and wishes that bird had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> the driving
+of those horses for once.</p>
+
+<p>Poll has formed quite an acquaintance with most of the children of the
+neighborhood. At one time, there was a great excitement among the boys
+in regard to a company of soldiers they were forming. On Wednesday and
+Saturday afternoons, they marched up and down the street, past Mr.
+Lee&#8217;s, beating a drum, and singing, &#8220;Rub-a-dub,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> dub! rub-a-dub, dub!
+Hurrah, hurrah!&#8221; As soon as they were out of hearing, Poll began the
+story, and went through the drill with great glee.</p>
+
+<p>From the back porch, Poll witnessed the grooming of the horses, when, as
+was often the case, they were taken out for Mrs. Lee and Minnie to ride.
+Indeed, she did her best, as far as words could go, to assist in the
+operation. While the har<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>ness was being put on, she continually called
+out, &#8220;Back, sir! Stand still! What are you about there?&#8221; This was often
+done, greatly to the discomfiture of the hostler, who was obliged
+generally to countermand these orders.</p>
+
+<p>I have told you that Poll was very fond of her friends, and jealous of
+their affection. She was also very strong in her dislikes. There was one
+member of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> the family whom she could not endure, and she took every
+occasion to vent her spite against him. This was the colored boy who
+blacked the boots, scoured the knives, and ran errands.</p>
+
+<p>Early one morning, when Poll was hanging up at a back window, she saw
+Tom polishing the boots, and whistling a merry tune, never once thinking
+of his enemy near him. Squeezing herself, as she often did, through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> the
+wires of her cage, she crept silently along through an inner room into
+the shed, when she flew directly at him, caught him by the legs, and
+held him fast.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Tom was frightened nearly out of his senses, and yelled for some
+one to take the parrot away. The servants enjoyed the fun too well,
+however, to release him. They laughed heartily, telling him to shake her
+off; but he was paralyzed with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> fright, and stood the picture of horror
+until the cook coaxed Poll away.</p>
+
+<p>At another time, she took a great dislike to the groom, who was an
+Irishman. Watching a favorable opportunity, she flew at him, caught hold
+of his shirt bosom, and held it so tightly with her strong beak, that it
+was some time before Mrs. Lee, who was attracted to the kitchen by the
+noise, could make her let go<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> her hold of the astonished object of her
+hatred.</p>
+
+<p>After this, whenever the women servants were displeased with the man,
+they would slyly let Poll out of her cage, when she darted directly
+toward him, and was thus the means of his losing many a dinner.</p>
+
+<p>When his grievances became too heavy, he complained to his mistress, who
+soon put a stop to such unjust proceedings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>One evening, when Mr. Lee drove into the yard, he heard Minnie laughing
+heartily. Approaching nearer, he saw her sitting on the piazza; Leo,
+looking rather ashamed, crouching at her feet; and Poll talking, in
+great excitement, in exact imitation of his own tones&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Leo, come here! good fellow! Down, sir! Leo, Leo! Hurrah, boys; what
+fun!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As it was near the time for his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> master&#8217;s return, the dog had been more
+readily deceived by the parrot&#8217;s call, and had run rapidly toward the
+house, when he perceived that he had been made a fool of, as he often
+had been before.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours later, they were talking it over in the library, when Mr.
+Lee said he thought he had read an incident very similar.</p>
+
+<p>Minnie joyfully clapped her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> hands, while her father took down the book,
+and read,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A parrot belonging to a gentleman in Boston was once sunning himself in
+his cage, at the door of a shop. Seeing a dog in the distance, he began
+to whistle, when the animal, imagining it to be the call of his master,
+ran swiftly toward the house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At this moment, the bird exclaimed, &#8216;Get out, you brute!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>&#8217; when the
+astonished dog hastily retreated, leaving the parrot laughing and
+enjoying the joke.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That reminds me,&#8221; added Mrs. Lee, &#8220;of a story a lady once told me of a
+parrot she owned, and which was really a wonderfully intelligent bird. A
+new family moved into the neighborhood, consisting, among others, of two
+young ladies, who always dressed very gayly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Polly had a bad habit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> making remarks upon the passers by, as she
+hung in her cage overlooking the main street. If, as was sometimes the
+case, persons engaged in conversation stopped near the house, they would
+often be startled by the cry,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Go home, now! Want to quarrel?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But when she saw ladies dressed fashionably, she gave utterance to a
+most contemptuous laugh, which would have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> been insult enough by itself;
+but she often accompanied it by the words,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;La, how smart I do feel!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My friend called at once on her new neighbors, but unfortunately found
+they were out; she waited a long time for the call to be returned, and
+at last began to wonder that no notice was taken of her politeness, when
+the cause of the neglect was explained by a mutual friend.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>&#8220;It appeared that on several occasions the young ladies had passed the
+house, and had heard the insulting laugh and words, which they
+attributed to my friend; so that when asked whether they had become
+acquainted with Mrs. G., they answered, coolly, &#8216;We have no wish to make
+her acquaintance.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Being pressed for a reason, they at last confessed that they had been
+repeatedly insulted,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> and narrated in what manner it had happened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This answer caused such a burst of merriment that they were surprised,
+until, being told that it was the chattering of a tame parrot, they soon
+joined in the laugh, and went at once to make her acquaintance, and also
+that of her mistress.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">POLL AT THE PARTY.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>&#8220;Please, mamma, tell me all you can remember about Mrs. G.&#8217;s parrot,&#8221;
+cried Minnie, a few days later. &#8220;Was she as wonderful as our Poll? and
+was she as handsome?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee smiled. &#8220;If I should answer all your questions,&#8221; she said
+presently, &#8220;I should have work for the rest of the day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> My friend&#8217;s
+parrot was green, with a brilliant red neck and tail. She was a great
+talker, and seemed to understand the meaning of much of what was said in
+her presence. I can recollect now two or three incidents which are well
+worth repeating.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Polly was very fond of children, and enjoyed being let out of her cage
+to play with them as much as our Poll does. One day, when Mrs. G. had
+com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>pany, they were all startled by hearing loud and repeated screams of
+distress. Recognizing the voice of her favorite bird, my friend ran
+hastily into the yard, expecting to see Polly in some dreadful trouble.
+To her surprise, there was the bird perched safely on the clothes line;
+but going a few steps farther, she saw her youngest child, a darling
+girl between two and three years old, just balancing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> over the edge of a
+hogshead of water, and entirely unable to recover herself, or to utter
+one sound. Situated as she was, the poor child could not have remained
+long in that position, and, but for the alarm given by the watchful
+bird, must have fallen into the water and drowned.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O, wasn&#8217;t that a good bird, mamma? I&#8217;m sure they all must have loved
+her better than ever. Will you please tell the rest?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>&#8220;Mr. G. was for a long time ill, and was unable to rest well at night.
+Polly, who always remained in their chamber at night, was in the habit
+of rising early, and practising all her accomplishments by herself as
+soon as she could see. She would begin, &#8216;Mr. G.,&#8217; and then go on, &#8216;My
+dear,&#8217; the name he always called his wife, &#8216;Francis, Maria,&#8217; until she
+had repeated the name of every member of the family; after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> which she
+chattered away a strange mixture of sense and nonsense until called to
+breakfast. After the gentleman was so ill, his best hours for rest were
+soon after dawn, and my friend would whisper, &#8216;Still, Polly! keep
+still!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This caution the parrot tried to enforce on herself by softly repeating
+the words away down her throat&mdash;&#8216;Keep still; Polly! keep still!&#8217; and
+ever after until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> Mr. G.&#8217;s death, whenever she saw her mistress point to
+the bed, and put her finger on her lip, she began to whisper, &#8216;Keep
+still, Polly! Keep still!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At Mr. G.&#8217;s funeral, the clergyman, who was an Episcopalian, read with
+great solemnity the funeral service.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The strangeness of the scene, the great concourse of people, and the
+sound of weeping, so interested Polly that she did not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> utter a word;
+but no sooner had the family returned from the grave than she began to
+utter sounds in sentences so nearly like what she had heard at the
+funeral, that it was recognized at once as the service for the dead.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I forgot to tell you that, having been in the habit of hearing the
+children when they repeated the Lord&#8217;s prayer, she had long ago learned
+it, and never went to sleep on her perch without utter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>ing the words
+with apparent solemnity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After the funeral, whenever a number of persons were assembled and
+began to talk in a mournful tone, Polly always seemed to think this a
+proper occasion to repeat her funeral service, often occupying an hour
+in the recital. There were no distinct words; but the sentences were so
+similar in length, and the tone so exactly that of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> the clergyman, that
+many persons recognized it without being told who the parrot wished to
+imitate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think Polly is the very best parrot I ever knew,&#8221; exclaimed Minnie.
+&#8220;I wish Mrs. G. would bring her here. I wonder what Poll would say to
+her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mrs. G.&#8217;s bird is dead, my dear; and a sad death it was too. I will
+tell you about it. After her husband&#8217;s decease, my friend had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> a little
+Blenheim spaniel presented her&mdash;a beautiful creature, with long white
+hair like satin, and salmon ears. She was naturally fond of pets, and
+soon became greatly attached to the dog, who returned her affection with
+all his heart. As soon as she entered the room, he ran joyfully to meet
+her, licking her hands, and showing his pleasure in every possible way.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For some days she noticed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> that the bird seemed dull, and talked very
+little; yet she did not connect it with the fact of her attention to the
+dog. But at last as Polly refused to eat, and seemed uneasy when the
+spaniel was present, she was convinced that the bird was jealous. Every
+means was tried to reconcile the old friend to the new one, but in vain.
+Polly knew that children must of course be loved and cared for. She
+herself loved the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> children of her mistress; but she could not endure
+that any other favorite should divide the affection she had so long
+enjoyed. From this time she drooped; and upon consulting a physician, he
+said she had every symptom of consumption. Her feet swelled, and at last
+she died on my friend&#8217;s breast, seeming &#8216;happy in being allowed to die
+in the arms of one she so dearly loved.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>A few weeks later, Mrs. Lee invited a small party of friends to take tea
+at her house. They were all seated in the parlor, and Poll, who was out
+of her cage, perched on the back of a chair in the next room, and
+listened with the greatest curiosity to the hum of so many voices.</p>
+
+<p>Presently one of the ladies related a precious bit of scandal then
+running through the town. She had scarcely finished her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> narration, when
+a shrill exclamation,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Possible!&#8221; in a tone of incredulity, came through the open doors.</p>
+
+<p>The relator blushed deeply, but went on to prove that her statement must
+be true, while Mrs. Lee was so much amused, she was obliged to make a
+great effort to keep from laughing.</p>
+
+<p>Again, as soon as the lady ceased, the exclamation,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Possible!&#8221; was repeated, as if in greater doubt.</p>
+
+<p>This was too much of an insult, and the lady&#8217;s face kindled with anger.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee quietly arose, saying, &#8220;Poll must come in and make her own
+apology for her rudeness;&#8221; and soon returned with the parrot clinging to
+her finger.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poll has a bad habit of interrupting conversation,&#8221; she said,
+playfully, &#8220;especially when she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> wishes to be invited to join the
+company, as at present.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Could that sound come from a bird?&#8221; inquired the lady; &#8220;I certainly
+thought it was a human voice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Many of the company tried to make Poll talk, but she declined for the
+present. After a while, however, when some witty remark was made which
+caused a general laugh, Poll laughed too, both loud and long, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> then,
+as if perfectly exhausted with so much emotion, exclaimed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Two or three of the company had been invited to bring their children,
+and just at this time Minnie returned with her young friends, having
+introduced them to Jacko and her other pets.</p>
+
+<p>The little girls gathered eagerly around Mrs. Lee, begging her to make
+Poll talk to them.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>&#8220;Perhaps you would like to play a game of hide-and-seek with her,&#8221; cried
+Minnie; &#8220;she plays that real nice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, oh, yes indeed!&#8221; was the united response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, Poll,&#8221; called Minnie, extending her finger.</p>
+
+<p>The parrot went at first with seeming reluctance, but presently entered
+into the spirit of the play, running after the children around the
+tables and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> chairs, laughing as merrily as any of them, and every once
+in a while repeating that curious &#8220;Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!&#8221; as if quite
+worn out.</p>
+
+<p>Minnie then called the little girls into the next room, shutting the
+door behind them, when Poll, putting her head down close to the crack,
+seemed trying to listen to what they said. She well understood the game,
+however, for she presently called,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> &#8220;Whoop,&#8221; and then hid behind the
+door, to catch them when they came along, crying out, as she did so,
+&#8220;Ah, you little rogue!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After this, she laughed so heartily that none could help joining
+her,&mdash;certainly the ladies could not; but all agreed she knew altogether
+too much for a bird, and was the most wonderful parrot they had ever
+seen.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">POLL AND THE BACON.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Minnie went one day with her parents to a neighboring town, to visit
+some friends. She had no sooner alighted from the carriage, than she
+heard the familiar sound of a parrot&#8217;s voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do you do, miss?&#8221; cried the bird, arching its superb neck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am very well, thank you,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>&#8221; answered Minnie, laughing. &#8220;How are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sick, very sick.&#8221; The funny creature hung her head, and assumed a
+plaintive, whining tone. &#8220;Got a bad cough. Oh, dear!&#8221; (Coughing
+violently.) &#8220;I&#8217;m sick, very sick. Call the doctor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m glad you have a parrot,&#8221; the little girl said to her companion, who
+stood by laughing. &#8220;I have one too; I should ad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>mire to hear them talk
+to each other.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I should; but mother thinks one such noisy bird is more than she
+can endure. Father had Poll given to him when he was a little boy, and
+he says he couldn&#8217;t keep house without her. She is very old indeed, and
+is often sick, though now she is only making believe. Father will tell
+you how many years she has been in the family.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>&#8220;There is nothing I like so well,&#8221; exclaimed Minnie, enthusiastically,
+&#8220;as to hear stories about birds and beasts.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I&#8217;ll get father, then, to tell you a funny one about Polly when he
+was a little boy. He knows all about parrots, because he once went to
+the country where they live.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At dinner, Minnie was introduced to the gentleman, whom she regarded
+with great interest,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> on account of his fondness for the bird. No sooner
+was the dessert brought on the table, and the servants had retired from
+the room, than Lizzie Monson, her young friend, began.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Papa, will you please to tell Minnie about Poll finding out who stole
+the bacon?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee burst into a merry laugh, but presently said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I warn you it is a dangerous business. Our little daughter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> has such a
+passion for birds and beasts, that if she once finds out you are a
+story-teller, she won&#8217;t let you off very easily.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Monson gazed a moment into the sparkling countenance of the child,
+upon which her father&#8217;s remarks had caused the roses to deepen, and
+said, smilingly, &#8220;She does not look very savage. Any contribution I can
+make,&#8221; turning to the child, &#8220;to your stock of knowledge on your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+favorite subject will give me great pleasure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His bow was so profound and his smile so arch that the little girl could
+not help laughing as she thanked him, while Lizzie whispered, &#8220;Isn&#8217;t
+papa a funny man?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask your friend to come into the library,&#8221; called out Mr. Monson, as
+they were leaving the dining hall.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Father, isn&#8217;t Poll sixty years<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> old?&#8221; cried Lizzie, pressing forward to
+attract his attention.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She has been in the family ninety years,&#8221; answered the gentleman, &#8220;and
+was then probably one or two years of age. It is astonishing how much
+she knows. Lizzie, run and open her cage, and bring her here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She is, indeed, a splendid bird,&#8221; remarked Mrs. Lee, gazing with
+delight at her richly-tinted plumage. &#8220;See, Minnie, how her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> neck is
+shaded from the most beautiful green to the richest mazarine blue.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And look at her breast, mother; see those elegant red feathers!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The parrot,&#8221; said Mr. Monson, &#8220;is an insulated bird. Its manners and
+general structure, and the mode of using its feet, as described by
+naturalists, are different from any other bird. Mr. Vigors, Mr.
+Swainson, and others,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> consider parrots the only group among birds which
+is completely <i>sui generis</i>. A parrot will, by means of its beak, and
+aided by its thick, fleshy tongue, clear the inside of a fresh pea from
+the outer skin, rejecting the latter, and performing the whole process
+with the greatest ease.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In climbing, I presume you have noticed, she uses her hooked beak as
+well as her feet; and in feeding she rests on one foot,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> holding the
+food to her beak with the other. Her plumage is generally richly-tinted,
+while in some varieties, like this, it is superb. In all kinds the skin
+throws off a mealy powder, which saturates the feathers and makes them
+greasy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Please, papa,&#8221; cried Lizzie, &#8220;to tell about these birds as you saw them
+in their own country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose, Minnie,&#8221; continued the gentleman, &#8220;that you know<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> this is
+not the home of your favorite bird. You never see them at liberty and
+flying from tree to tree, as you do the robin or bluebird.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir, I know that. Uncle Frank was going to bring me another parrot
+from South America, but mother thought one was enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I quite agree with you,&#8221; said Mrs. Monson, enthusiastically, &#8220;I can
+scarcely be reconciled to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> noise of one, rousing me at all sorts of
+unreasonable hours, and keeping up such a clatter through the whole
+day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are confined to the warmer climates,&#8221; the gentleman went on, &#8220;and
+are most abundant in the tropics. I have seen a flock of them resting in
+a grove of trees, chattering and talking like a company of politicians
+at a caucus. They are indeed very noisy, keeping together in large<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+flocks, and feeding upon fruits, buds, and seeds. At night they crowd
+together as closely as possible, and hiding their heads under their
+wings, sleep soundly. As soon as the first ray of light can be
+discerned, they are all awake, chatting over the business for the day.
+First they make their toilet, and in this they assist each other, being
+very fond of pluming each other&#8217;s feathers.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>&#8220;One peculiarity of this bird is, that he has but one wife, and never
+marries again. The pairs form lasting attachments, and when one dies the
+mate sometimes mourns itself to death. They make a kind of nest in the
+hollow trees, and there bring up their young. They belong to the
+scansorial order of birds; that is, they have two toes forward and two
+backward. Some of them fly slowly; but others wing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> their way with the
+greatest rapidity, and for a long period.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; remarked Mrs. Lee, &#8220;they are the most intelligent of the
+feathered race.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, naturalists decidedly give them that character. Poll sometimes
+seems almost too human; and then they are so quick to learn. Did you
+know, Minnie, that a parrot is considered an article of delicacy for the
+table?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>&#8220;O, no, indeed, sir! I wouldn&#8217;t eat a parrot for any thing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I; but among other rare and luxurious articles on the bill of fare,
+described by &AElig;lian, as entering into the feasts of the Emperor
+Heliogabalus, are the combs of fowls, the tongues of peacocks and
+nightingales, the heads of parrots and thrushes; and it is reported that
+with the bodies of the two latter he fed his beasts of prey.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>Minnie&#8217;s countenance expressed great distress, as she quickly exclaimed,
+&#8220;O, how cruel!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, papa,&#8221; said Lizzie, &#8220;please tell her about Poll and the bacon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I mustn&#8217;t forget that. When I was a little boy, Minnie, my father
+kept a country store, where all manner of things were exposed for sale.
+On one counter, in the genteel part, were cambrics, calicoes, and even
+silks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> for ladies&#8217; dresses, while at the other end were barrels of
+sugar, boxes of cheese, and other groceries, and above them hung large
+legs of bacon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Midway between these, a hook was driven into the beam, and there Poll
+used to hang as long ago as I can remember any thing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was the custom for the men of the village to gather together at the
+store, and talk pol<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>itics, or gossip about the affairs of the place.
+Long before town meeting, it was well understood at the store how each
+man in the community would vote, and who would be elected to the
+different offices.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Among others who used to come there, was a man by the name of Brush. He
+was considered an inoffensive, well meaning man, with no force of
+character; but all supposed him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> honest. Poll, however, knew to the
+contrary; and after a while she convinced others that Brush was a thief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was noticed, when this man got excited by the conversation, that he
+always left the circle round the stove, and walked back and forth
+through the store; and it was at such times that he contrived to cut
+large slices from the bacon, which he carefully concealed in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> his
+pocket. My father soon began to conclude that the meat, and sundry other
+articles, were missing, but could not imagine who was the thief. He
+watched for several days, not noticing that whenever Mr. Brush made his
+appearance, Poll instantly screamed, &#8216;Bacon.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One evening he determined to watch, as, the day previous, a larger
+slice than usual had been taken, and he was hid behind a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> barrel, when
+he saw Mr. Brush coming softly toward him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Bacon! bacon! bacon!&#8217; screamed Poll, at the top of her voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I&#8217;d wring your neck if I dared,&#8217; murmured the man, glancing
+maliciously toward the bird; and then he walked back again to the fire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After this, father watched the parrot, and found he made this cry only
+when Brush ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>peared. He thought it so singular that he charged him with
+the theft, which the man, in great confusion reluctantly confessed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The curious story of his detection by a parrot soon spread through the
+town, and for years Mr. Brush was called by the name of Bacon, while the
+bird received much attention and many compliments for her sagacity.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>&#8220;I suppose, then, Poll saw him take it,&#8221; said Minnie, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O, yes! He witnessed the whole proceeding, and did his best to give
+warning at once; but his loud cries were not understood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wasn&#8217;t he a good bird?&#8221; asked Lizzie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, indeed. I suppose it would be a good plan to hang a parrot in
+every store.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">PARROT SAVING THE SILVER.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Minnie was quite distressed one morning, when, on going to Poll&#8217;s cage
+to say &#8220;Good morning&#8221; to her pet, she found her unable to answer, only
+returning a feeble moan. She ran in haste to tell her mother, who
+thought it one of the parrot&#8217;s tricks. When she came down, however, she
+found Poll was really ill.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 341px;">
+<a href="images/illus-115f-full.png"><img src="images/illus-115f.png" width="341" height="452" alt="A seated girl with a parrot on her hand" title="&#8220;Dear Poll! darling birdie!&#8221; Page 115." /></a>
+<span class="caption">&#8220;Dear Poll! darling birdie!&#8221; Page 115.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>&#8220;Dear Poll! darling birdie!&#8221; she said, tenderly, stroking the beautiful
+head. &#8220;I&#8217;ll make you some tea, which I hope will soon cure you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She went at once to a side closet, and taking a little pinch of saffron
+from a paper, sent it to the cook, with directions to steep it at once.</p>
+
+<p>Breakfast that morning was a dull affair, without Poll&#8217;s lively talk;
+and as, after the saffron<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> tea, she did not at once revive, Minnie began
+to mourn so much lest her dear parrot would die, that her father, to
+occupy her attention, took her to the library, and read her some
+anecdotes, a few of which I will repeat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A tradesman in London kept two parrots, which usually hung in a cage
+over the porch projecting from the front door, so that when a person
+stood on the side of the street nearest the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> house, the birds could not
+be seen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One day, when the family were all absent, some one rapped at the door,
+when one of the parrots instantly called out,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Who&#8217;s there?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;The man with the leather,&#8217; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Oh, ho!&#8217; retorted the parrot.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The door not being opened as he expected, the stranger knocked again.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>&#8220;&#8216;Who&#8217;s there?&#8217; repeated the bird.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Why don&#8217;t you come down?&#8217; cried the man, impatiently. &#8216;I can&#8217;t wait
+all day.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Oh, ho!&#8217; was the only response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The man now became furious, and leaving the knocker, began to pull
+violently at the door bell, when the other parrot, who had not before
+spoken, exclaimed, &#8216;Go to the gate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;What gate?&#8217; he asked, seeing no such convenience.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Newgate,&#8217; was the answer, just as the man, greatly enraged at the
+thought of being sent to Newgate prison, ran back into the street, and
+found out whom he was questioning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dr. Thornton, a benevolent physician in London, once visited the
+menagerie in Haymarket, where he saw a parrot confined by a chain
+fastened to his leg.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> He talked with the bird, and found he could
+imitate the barking of dogs, the cackling of fowls, and many sounds like
+the human voice. The bird, however, seemed melancholy and restless,
+which induced the good doctor to try and buy him of the owner. He
+succeeded at last in getting him for the sum of seventy-five dollars,
+which Dr. Thornton did not regret, since it would rescue the poor
+creature<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> from her present unhappy confinement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The first thing he did was to loose him from the chain, and carry him
+home, where his diet was changed from scalded bread to toast and butter
+for breakfast, and potatoes, dumplings, and fruit for dinner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At first, his poor feet were so cramped, and the muscles so much
+weakened from long disuse, that he could not walk. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> tottered at every
+step, and in a few minutes appeared greatly fatigued. But his liberated
+feet soon acquired uncommon agility, his plumage grew more resplendent,
+and he appeared perfectly happy. He no longer uttered harsh screams, but
+very readily learned many words, and amused himself for hours repeating
+them. He attached himself particularly to his kind benefactor, and
+always cheerfully practised his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> little accomplishments to please him,
+calling out, &#8216;What o&#8217;clock? Pretty fellow! Saucy fellow! Turn him out,
+Poll.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He was friendly to the children of the family, and to strangers, but
+exceedingly jealous of infants, from seeing them caressed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He was remarkably fond of music, and danced to all lively tunes, moving
+his wings, and also his head, backward and forward,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> to keep time. If
+any person sang or played a wrong measure, he stopped instantly. When
+his quick scent announced the time of meals, he ran up and down the
+pole, uttering a pleasing note of request.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When any food was given him of which he was not very fond, he took it
+in his left claw, ate a little, and threw the rest down; but if the
+variety was nice and abundant, after eating what he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> wished, he
+carefully conveyed the remainder to his tin pail, saving it for another
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Every Friday a scissors grinder came and worked under his window. After
+listening attentively, Poll tried to imitate the sound with his throat,
+but could not succeed. He then struck his beak against the perch; but
+his quick ear discerned a difference. Finally he succeeded by drawing
+his claw in a particular way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> across the tin perch, and repeated the
+performance of grinding every Friday, much to the amusement of those who
+saw him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Minnie was so much interested in these stories that she quite forgot her
+grief, until her mother opened the library door to tell her that her pet
+was beginning to sing.</p>
+
+<p>Minnie flew to see her, and before noon had the pleasure of knowing that
+Poll was quite re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>covered. Indeed, she had never seemed more gay. She
+hopped first on one foot and then on the other, in curious imitation of
+a polka dance, tossing her head on one side in a most coquettish manner.</p>
+
+<p>Then she talked and laughed with Minnie, exclaiming every now and then
+in a cunning tone, &#8220;What are you about, you rogue? O, you little rogue!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little girl was delighted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> She held Poll on her lap, caressing her
+fondly, and calling her by all sorts of endearing and funny names.</p>
+
+<p>The parrot on her part seemed desirous of showing her gratitude for
+relief from pain by doing all she could to please her little friend. She
+often heard the cook calling Tom, who was apt to run to the barn when
+she wanted him; and she began in a loud, impatient tone, &#8220;Tom!&#8221; her
+voice<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> rising; then again, &#8220;Tom!&#8221; falling inflection; &#8220;Tom!&#8221; again; &#8220;I
+say, Tom; come here, you rascal!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finding this made Minnie laugh heartily, she began to call, &#8220;Leo, come
+here! Lie down, sir! Tiney, Tiney,&#8221; in a small, fine voice, like the
+child&#8217;s; &#8220;Tiney, Tiney, Tiney! O, you little rogue!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After this she chattered away like Jacko, cocking her eyes and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> looking
+as if she thought herself very smart.</p>
+
+<p>Once in a while Poll talked Portuguese, which she had learned from some
+sailors who were in the vessel when she came over, more than fifteen
+years before. She began now to talk what sounded to Minnie like perfect
+jargon, but which so much amused the bird that she kept stopping to
+laugh most heartily.</p>
+
+<p>By and by Mrs. Lee was ready<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> to sit down; and she said Poll had had
+excitement enough for a sick bird, but told Minnie if she would bring
+the book about birds, she would try and find some true stories to read
+to her.</p>
+
+<p>The next hour was passed most pleasantly to both of them. Some of the
+stories I will tell you.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A parrot belonging to a lady in England was fond of attending family
+prayers; but for fear he might take it into his head to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> join in the
+responses, he was generally removed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But one evening, finding the family were assembling for that purpose,
+he crept under the sofa, and thought himself unnoticed. For some time he
+maintained a decorous silence; but at length he found himself unable to
+keep still, and instead of &#8216;Amen,&#8217; burst out with, &#8216;Cheer, boys; cheer!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The lady directed the butler<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> to take him from the room; and the man
+had taken him as far as the door, when the bird, perhaps thinking he had
+done wrong, and had better apologize, called out,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Sorry I spoke.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The overpowering effect on those present can be better imagined than
+described.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here is a story,&#8221; continued Mrs. Lee, &#8220;of a parrot who acted as a
+police officer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In Camden, New Jersey, Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> John Hutchinson had a very loquacious
+parrot, and also a well-stocked chest of silver plate. One day some
+robbers thought they would like to use silver forks, goblets, and
+spoons, as well as their rich neighbors, and watching their opportunity
+broke into the pantry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They had already picked the lock off the thick oaken chest, and were
+diving down among salvers, pitchers, and smaller ar<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>ticles, when they
+were terrified to hear a loud, angry voice exclaim,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dropping the silver, which they had taken, on the floor, the robbers
+made a rush for the window, which they had forced open, and in their
+hurry got over the wrong fence into the yard of a neighbor who kept a
+fierce dog.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bruno, not at all pleased with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> the appearance of his sudden visitors,
+sprang upon them, barking at the top of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The noise called the police to the place, and one of the robbers was
+secured.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The watchful parrot saved his owner&#8217;s silver. When he was praised for
+his timely interference, he would arch his head, and begin at once to
+call out,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterhead"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+
+<span class="chaptitle">THE PARROT AND THE PRINCE.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>&#8220;When Prince Maurice was Governor of Brazil, he was informed of an old
+parrot who would converse like a rational creature. His curiosity became
+so much roused that, though at a great distance from his residence, he
+directed that it should be sent for.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When Poll was first intro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>duced into the room where the Prince sat with
+several Dutch gentlemen, he instantly exclaimed in the Brazilian
+language,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;What a company of white men are here!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pointing to the prince, one gentleman asked, &#8216;Who is that man?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Some gentleman or other,&#8217; Poll instantly replied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Where did you come from?&#8217; asked the prince.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>&#8220;&#8216;From Marignan.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;To whom do you belong?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;To a Portuguese.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;What do you do for a living?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I look after chickens.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The prince laughingly exclaimed, &#8216;You look after chickens!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Yes, I do; and I know well enough how to do it,&#8217; clucking at the same
+time like a hen calling her brood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Prince Maurice, as well as the rest of the gentlemen, were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> delighted
+with the intelligence of the bird, and after keeping him at his
+residence as long as possible, the governor gave him a prize for being
+the most sagacious parrot in the kingdom.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Lee returned from the city, he found Poll as bright and
+cheerful as a lark. He brought with him a young man in his employ,
+called Theodore, to whom Minnie exhibited all her pets, and who staid
+till after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> tea, and then Mr. Lee read a few stories to Minnie, with one
+of which I must close my story of Minnie&#8217;s pet parrot.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A prince, named Leo Maced, was once accused by a monk of forming a plan
+to murder his father, the emperor. He was, therefore, though protesting
+his innocence, cast into prison.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After some months, the emperor had a feast, to which he invited most of
+the nobles of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> court. They were all seated at table, when a tame
+parrot belonging to the prince, and which was hung up in the room, cried
+out, mournfully,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This exclamation, which was continually repeated, as if the bird could
+not help comparing their sumptuous entertainment with the prison fare
+and confinement of his exiled master, so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> affected the guests as to
+deprive them of all appetite. It was in vain that the emperor urged his
+delicacies upon them. They could not eat, while the faithful bird
+repeated his plaintive cry,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At last one of the nobles with tears entreated the emperor to pardon
+his son, whom they all believed to be innocent. The others joining in
+the request, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> father ordered that Prince Leo be brought before him.
+He was soon restored to favor, and then to his former dignities, through
+the affection of his faithful parrot.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chapbreak" />
+<div class="tn">
+<p class="titlepage"><a name="trans_note" id="trans_note"></a><b>Transcriber&rsquo;s&nbsp;Note</b></p>
+
+<p class="noindent">The following typographical errors were corrected.</p>
+
+<table style="margin-left: 0%;" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="typos">
+<tr>
+  <td>Page</td>
+  <td>Error</td>
+  <td>Correction</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td>4</td>
+  <td>LECTROTYPED</td>
+  <td>ELECTROTYPED</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td>98</td>
+  <td>and was then</td>
+  <td>&#8220;and was then</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Minnie's Pet Parrot
+
+Author: Madeline Leslie
+
+Release Date: September 14, 2008 [EBook #26617]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MINNIE'S PET PARROT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. A list of corrections
+is found at the end of the text.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Oh, dear! oh, dear me!" Page 85.]
+
+[Illustration: MINNIE and her PETS
+  BY MRS. MADELINE LESLIE
+  MINNIE'S PET PARROT.]
+
+
+
+
+                       MINNIE'S PET PARROT.
+
+
+                               BY
+
+                      MRS. MADELINE LESLIE,
+  AUTHOR OF "THE LESLIE STORIES," "TIM, THE SCISSORS-GRINDER,"
+                              ETC.
+
+
+                          ILLUSTRATED.
+
+
+                             BOSTON:
+                        LEE AND SHEPARD,
+                             1864.
+
+
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by
+
+A. R. BAKER,
+
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of
+Massachusetts.
+
+ELECTROTYPED AT THE BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.
+
+
+
+
+                    TO MY YOUNG FRIEND,
+
+                  HENRY FOWLE DURANT, JR.
+
+                  =These Little Volumes=
+
+               ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED
+
+                      BY THE AUTHOR,
+
+  IN THE EARNEST HOPE THAT THEY MAY INCREASE IN HIM THAT
+      LOVE OF NATURE AND OF RURAL LIFE WHICH HAS EVER
+          EXERTED SO SALUTARY AN INFLUENCE IN THE
+              FORMATION OF THE CHARACTERS OF
+                    THE WISE AND GOOD.
+
+
+
+
+MINNIE AND HER PETS.
+
+  Minnie's Pet Parrot.
+  Minnie's Pet Cat.
+  Minnie's Pet Dog.
+  Minnie's Pet Horse.
+  Minnie's Pet Lamb.
+  Minnie's Pet Monkey.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The object of these little books is not so much to give full, scientific
+information with regard to the animals of which they treat, as to bring
+before the child such facts concerning them as shall interest him in
+their history, awaken a desire to know more of the particular traits of
+each, and especially lead him to be kind to them as a part of God's
+creation.
+
+Natural history we deem, according to the opinion of an eminent writer,
+as "not only the most captivating of the sciences, but the most
+humanizing. It is impossible to study the character and habits of the
+lower animals without imbibing an interest in their wants and feelings."
+
+Dr. Chalmers, who was famous for his interest in the brute creation,
+says, "To obtain the regards of man's heart in behalf of the lower
+animals, we should strive to draw his mind toward them. The poor brutes
+look, tremble, and give the signs of suffering, as we do. A threatened
+blow strikes them with terror, and they have the same distortions of
+agony on the infliction of it. Their blood circulates as ours does. They
+sicken, and grow feeble with age, and finally die, as we do. They
+possess also instincts which expose them to suffering in another
+quarter. The lioness, robbed of her whelps, makes the wilderness ring
+with her cries; and the little bird, whose tender household has been
+stolen, fills and saddens all the grove with her pathetic melody."
+
+The author has been careful to select only facts well authenticated. She
+takes this opportunity to acknowledge most gratefully her indebtedness
+to those friends who have contributed original anecdotes which have come
+under their own observation; and also to state that she has quoted from
+most of the popular English works on these subjects, prominent among
+which are Jesse, Richardson, and Hamilton, on dogs; Youatt, the Ettrick
+Shepherd, and Randall, on sheep; Morris, Brown's Natural History,
+Chambers's Miscellany, etc.
+
+She has been greatly encouraged, in the preparation of these volumes for
+the young, by the flattering reception of the previous productions of
+her pen. If these should meet with similar favor, they may be followed
+by other volumes of the same character and objects.
+
+  THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+MINNIE'S PET PARROT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MINNIE AND HER PARROT.
+
+
+In these little books, I am going to tell you about Minnie, her home,
+and her pets; and I hope it will teach every boy and every girl who
+reads them to be kind to animals, as Minnie was. Minnie Lee had a
+pleasant home. She was an only child, and as her parents loved to
+please her, they procured every thing which they thought would make her
+happy. The first pet Minnie had was a beautiful tortoise-shell kitten,
+which she took in her baby arms and hugged tightly to her bosom. After a
+time, her father, seeing how much comfort she took with kitty, bought
+her a spaniel. He already had a large Newfoundland dog; but Mrs. Lee
+was unwilling to have him come into the house, saying that in summer he
+drew the flies, and in winter he dirtied her hearth rugs. So Leo, as the
+great dog was called, was condemned to the barn, while Tiney could rove
+through the parlors and chambers whenever he pleased.
+
+In Minnie's seventh year, her father bought her a Shetland pony and a
+lamb, which he told her was called a South Down--a rare and valuable
+breed. The little girl now thought her hands quite full; but only the
+next Christmas, when her uncle came home from sea, he told her he had
+brought an addition to her pets; and true enough, when his luggage came
+from town, there was a bag containing a real, live monkey, named Jacko.
+
+These, with the silver-gray parrot, which had been in the family for
+years, gave Minnie employment from morning till night.
+
+You will wonder, perhaps, that one child should have so many pets; and,
+indeed, the parrot belonged to her mother; but when I tell you that,
+though her parents had had six children, she was the only one remaining
+to them, and that in her infancy she was very sickly, you will not
+wonder so much. The doctor said that their only hope of bringing her up
+was to keep her in the open air as much as possible.
+
+"Let her have a run with Leo," he used to say; or, "Get her a horse, and
+teach her to ride. That will do her more good than medicine."
+
+When her father came home from town, if he did not see his little
+daughter on the lawn, playing with Fidelle, the cat, and Tiney, the dog,
+he was almost sure to find her in the shed where Jacko's cage was kept,
+with Miss Poll perching on her shoulder.
+
+When visitors called and asked to see her, her mother would laugh, as
+she answered, "I'm sure I don't know where the child is, she has so many
+pets."
+
+Minnie was not allowed to study much in books; indeed, she scarcely knew
+how to read at all; yet she was not an ignorant child, for her father
+and mother took great pains to teach her. She knew the names of all the
+different trees on her father's place, and of all the flowers in her
+mother's garden; but her favorite study was the natural history of
+beasts and birds; and nothing gave her so much pleasure as to have her
+father relate anecdotes of their intelligence and sagacity.
+
+He had a large, well-selected library, where were many rare volumes on
+her favorite subject, illustrated with pictures of different animals.
+When Mr. Lee could not recall a story as often as she wished, she would
+take his hand and coax him to the library. Then she would run up the
+steps to her favorite shelf, and taking down a book almost as large as
+she could lift, say, playfully, "Now, father, I'm ready for you to
+read."
+
+Mrs. Lee often found them sitting together, talking over the wonderful
+feats of some dog, cat, horse, or monkey, and laughed as she said to her
+husband, "I believe Minnie comes naturally by her love for animals, for
+you seem as much interested in the stories as she does."
+
+Mr. Lee lived in a very handsome house about seven miles from the city
+where he did business. He had made a great deal of money by sending
+ships to foreign lands, freighted with goods, which he sold there in
+exchange for others which were needed at home. He now lived quite at his
+ease, with plenty of servants to do his bidding, and horses and
+carriages to carry him wherever he wished to go.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But in this volume I shall speak of himself, his family, equipage, and
+estate, only as they are connected with my object, which is to tell you
+about Minnie's pet parrot, and also to relate stories of other parrots,
+all of which are strictly true.
+
+Poll was brought from the coast of Africa by a sea captain, who
+presented her to a lady, aunt to Mrs. Lee. At the lady's death it was
+given to her niece, and had been an important member of the family ever
+since. It was not known how old she was when she was brought to
+America; but she had been in the family for fifteen years, and therefore
+was old enough to know how to behave herself properly on all occasions.
+
+Miss Poll had a plumage of silver-gray feathers, with a brilliant
+scarlet tail. Her eyes were a bright yellow, with black pupils, and
+around them a circle of small white feathers. Her beak was large and
+strong, hooked at the end. Her tongue was thick and black. Her claws
+were also black, and she could use them as freely as Minnie used her
+hands. When her mistress offered her a cup of tea,--a drink of which she
+was very fond,--she took it in her claws, and drank it as gracefully as
+any lady.
+
+In the morning, when her cage was cleaned, she always had a cup of
+canary seed; but at other times she ate potato, cracker, bread, apple,
+and sometimes a piece of raw meat. She liked, too, to pick a chicken
+bone, and would nibble away upon it, laughing and talking to herself in
+great glee.
+
+Miss Poll, I am sorry to say, was very proud and fond of flattery. If
+Mrs. Lee went to the cage, and put out her finger for the bird to light
+upon it, and did not praise her, she would often bite it. But if she
+said, "Sweet Poll! dear Poll! she is a darling!" she would arch her
+beautiful neck, and look as proud as any proud miss. Then she would tip
+her head, and put her claws in her mouth, just like a bashful little
+girl.
+
+Poll was exceedingly fond of music, and learned a tune by hearing it
+played a few times; but she had a queer habit of leaving off in the
+middle of a line, when she would whistle for the dog, or call out,
+"Leo, come here! lie down, you rascal!"
+
+Poll was very fond of Minnie, and indeed of all children.
+
+When she saw the little girl come into the room with her bonnet on, she
+exclaimed, in a natural tone, "Going out, hey?" When Minnie laughed, she
+would laugh too, and keep repeating, "Going out? Good by."
+
+Parrots are said to be very jealous birds, and are displeased to have
+any attention shown to other pets.
+
+I think Poll was so, and that she was angry when she saw Minnie show so
+much kindness to Fidelle. One day she thought she would punish the
+kitty; so she called, "Kitty, kitty," in the most sweet, coaxing tones.
+Puss seemed delighted, and walked innocently up to the cage, which
+happened to be set in a chair.
+
+"Kitty, kitty," repeated Poll, until she had the little creature within
+reach of her claws, when she suddenly caught her, and bit her ears and
+her tail, Fidelle crying piteously at this unexpected ill treatment,
+until some one came to rescue her. Then puss crept softly away to the
+farther end of the room, and hid under a chair, where she began to lick
+her wounded tail, while Poll laughed and chuckled over the joke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PARROT AND THE TRAVELLER.
+
+
+One morning when the whole family were in the breakfast room, Poll began
+to talk to herself, imitating exactly the manner of a lady who had
+recently visited the house with her children.
+
+"Little darling beauty, so she is; she shall have on her pretty new
+bonnet, and go ridy, ridy with mamma; so she shall."
+
+In the midst of this, the bird stopped and began to cry like an
+impatient child.
+
+"Don't cry, sweet," she went on, changing her voice again; "there,
+there, pet, don't cry; hush up, hush up."
+
+This conversation she carried on in the most approved baby style, until,
+becoming excited by the laughter of the company, she stopped, and began
+to laugh too.
+
+After this, whenever she wanted to be very cunning, she would repeat
+this performance, much to the amusement of all who heard her.
+
+Poll was a very mischievous bird, and on this account was not let out of
+her cage, unless Minnie or some one was at liberty to watch her.
+
+Mrs. Lee, who usually sat in the back parlor, from which place she could
+hear Poll talk, was sure to know if the bird was doing any great
+mischief, for she always began to scold herself on such occasions.
+
+"Ah, ah!" she exclaimed, one day; "what are you about, Poll?"
+
+Mrs. Lee rose quickly, and advanced on tiptoe to the door, where she saw
+the parrot picking at some buttons on the sofa, which she had often been
+forbidden to touch. Much amused at the sight, she listened to an
+imitation of her own voice, as follows:--
+
+"Go away, I tell you, Poll! I see you! Take care!"
+
+Finding her buttons fast disappearing, she suddenly entered, when the
+bird went quickly back to her perch.
+
+In the afternoon, when her husband returned from town, she related the
+incident to him and to Minnie.
+
+"That shows us," answered the gentleman, laughing, "how careful we
+ought to be what we say before her; we shall be sure to hear it again."
+
+After tea, when Minnie and her father were in the library, they heard
+Poll singing a variety of tunes in her merriest tones. They stopped
+talking a while to listen, and then both laughed heartily to see how
+quickly she struck into a whistle, as Tiney walked deliberately into
+the room in search of her little mistress.
+
+"What a funny bird she is!" cried Minnie; "she runs on so from one thing
+to another."
+
+"In that respect she shows a want of judgment," replied her father;
+"but, by the way, I have a story for you of a curious parrot, which I
+will read.
+
+"A gentleman who had been visiting a friend near the sea shore, and
+concluded to return by way of a ferry boat, walked to the beach to see
+whether there was one ready to start. As he stood looking over the
+water, much disappointed that there was none in sight, he was surprised
+to hear the loud cry of the boatman,--
+
+"'Over, master? Going over?'
+
+"'Yes, I wish to go,' he answered, looking eagerly about.
+
+"'Over, master? Going over?' was asked again in a more earnest tone;
+and again he repeated,--
+
+"'Yes, I wish to go as soon as possible.'
+
+"The questions were repeated constantly, and yet no preparation was made
+for granting his request. He began to be somewhat indignant, and seeing
+no one near upon whom he could vent his wrath, he walked rapidly toward
+a public house near by. Here his anger was speedily changed to mirth,
+for on going near the door he saw a parrot hanging in a cage over the
+porch, from whom all the noise had proceeded."
+
+"Oh, father," exclaimed Minnie, greatly delighted, "that was a real good
+story. Isn't there another one?"
+
+"Yes; here is one where a man made his bird revenge his insults.
+
+"There was once a distiller who had long suffered in his business by a
+neighbor, who had several times reported him to the public authorities
+as one who made and sold rum without a license to do so. At last he
+became very angry at being interfered with, and, as no ready means
+offered to revenge himself, he adopted the following singular method.
+
+"He had a large green parrot, which could speak almost any thing. This
+parrot he taught to repeat, in a clear, loud, and distinct voice, the
+ninth commandment,--'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
+neighbor.'
+
+"Having committed this lesson satisfactorily, the owner of the parrot
+hung him outside one of the front windows of the house, where his
+troublesome neighbor, who lived directly opposite, would be able to
+have the full benefit of the inspired words.
+
+"The first time the neighbor came in sight, the parrot began, 'Thou
+shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor;' and this was
+repeated on every occasion, to the great delight of the neighborhood."
+
+At this moment, Mrs. Lee opened the door, to tell Minnie that Anne, the
+nurse, was waiting to put her to bed.
+
+"It's too early," began the child, impatiently; "I don't want to go
+yet."
+
+Her mother only answered by pointing to the little French timepiece on
+the mantel.
+
+"I was having such a good time," sobbed Minnie; "I always have to go
+just when I'm enjoying myself the most."
+
+Hearing this, Poll instantly began to whine, "I don't want to go," and
+then, putting her claw up to her mouth, sobbed, for all the world, just
+like her little mistress.
+
+Minnie wanted to laugh, but she felt ashamed, and did not like to have
+her parents see her; so she said, "Keep still, Poll; you've nothing to
+do with it."
+
+This reproof only excited the bird the more, and in a loud, angry tone,
+she went on,--
+
+"Keep, still, Poll! don't meddle! don't meddle! Ah, Poll, what are you
+about? Take care; I see you!"
+
+Mr. Lee watched his daughter anxiously, to see whether she would recover
+her temper, and was pleased to observe that she presently advanced to
+the cage, when she held out her finger to say "Good night" to her pet,
+as usual.
+
+"Good night; say your prayers," repeated the bird, holding out her
+claw.
+
+She then gave her parents their good-night kiss, and snatching Tiney in
+her arms, went gayly from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+POLL'S FUNNY TRICKS.
+
+
+In summer, Poll lived mostly out of doors, hung in a cage at the top of
+the piazza. Here she seemed very much amused at the various operations
+she witnessed.
+
+In the morning, she was placed in front of the house on account of the
+shade; but after dinner, the cage was carried round to a porch, where
+the shed and barn were in full view.
+
+From the front porch, she could salute all the early visitors, and watch
+the butcher's cart as it passed, often startling him with the inquiry,--
+
+"What have you to-day?" Then, if no one answered, she would quickly
+reply, "Veal," or, "Only veal to-day."
+
+But her greatest amusement was to watch a family of children, who lived
+nearly opposite. There was one child just commencing to go to school--a
+duty which he disliked exceedingly.
+
+As soon as Poll saw him she would begin, "You must go, or you'll grow up
+a dunce."
+
+Then she would whine, and cry, "I won't go, I say I won't."
+
+"Go right along, you naughty boy, or I shall tell your father."
+
+Poll now begins to sob and sniffle in earnest, when she suddenly stops
+and begins the whole conversation over again, greatly to the merriment
+of her hearers.
+
+There is, however, one trick that Poll has learned, which is quite
+inconvenient.
+
+Near Mr. Lee's house, the ground rises, his residence being on a hill.
+Teams loaded with coal, and other heavy articles, continually pass by,
+it being of course quite an object with the drivers to get the horses to
+the top of the hill without stopping on the way.
+
+But this would spoil Miss Poll's fun. When they are about half way up,
+and just in the steepest part, she calls out, "Whoa," in a loud,
+authoritative voice, so exactly in imitation of the driver that they
+obey at once. This she repeats as often as he attempts to start them
+forward, until, greatly vexed, I am sorry to say, he sometimes swears
+at both the horses and the bird.
+
+Nor is this all. When the teams have reached the top of the hill, and
+the driver wishes to let them stop and breathe, Poll begins to cluck for
+them to go on, and will not let them rest until they are out of her
+sight, when she begins a hearty laugh over her own joke. In the mean
+time, the driver frets and fumes, and wishes that bird had the driving
+of those horses for once.
+
+Poll has formed quite an acquaintance with most of the children of the
+neighborhood. At one time, there was a great excitement among the boys
+in regard to a company of soldiers they were forming. On Wednesday and
+Saturday afternoons, they marched up and down the street, past Mr.
+Lee's, beating a drum, and singing, "Rub-a-dub, dub! rub-a-dub, dub!
+Hurrah, hurrah!" As soon as they were out of hearing, Poll began the
+story, and went through the drill with great glee.
+
+From the back porch, Poll witnessed the grooming of the horses, when, as
+was often the case, they were taken out for Mrs. Lee and Minnie to ride.
+Indeed, she did her best, as far as words could go, to assist in the
+operation. While the harness was being put on, she continually called
+out, "Back, sir! Stand still! What are you about there?" This was often
+done, greatly to the discomfiture of the hostler, who was obliged
+generally to countermand these orders.
+
+I have told you that Poll was very fond of her friends, and jealous of
+their affection. She was also very strong in her dislikes. There was one
+member of the family whom she could not endure, and she took every
+occasion to vent her spite against him. This was the colored boy who
+blacked the boots, scoured the knives, and ran errands.
+
+Early one morning, when Poll was hanging up at a back window, she saw
+Tom polishing the boots, and whistling a merry tune, never once thinking
+of his enemy near him. Squeezing herself, as she often did, through the
+wires of her cage, she crept silently along through an inner room into
+the shed, when she flew directly at him, caught him by the legs, and
+held him fast.
+
+Poor Tom was frightened nearly out of his senses, and yelled for some
+one to take the parrot away. The servants enjoyed the fun too well,
+however, to release him. They laughed heartily, telling him to shake her
+off; but he was paralyzed with fright, and stood the picture of horror
+until the cook coaxed Poll away.
+
+At another time, she took a great dislike to the groom, who was an
+Irishman. Watching a favorable opportunity, she flew at him, caught hold
+of his shirt bosom, and held it so tightly with her strong beak, that it
+was some time before Mrs. Lee, who was attracted to the kitchen by the
+noise, could make her let go her hold of the astonished object of her
+hatred.
+
+After this, whenever the women servants were displeased with the man,
+they would slyly let Poll out of her cage, when she darted directly
+toward him, and was thus the means of his losing many a dinner.
+
+When his grievances became too heavy, he complained to his mistress, who
+soon put a stop to such unjust proceedings.
+
+One evening, when Mr. Lee drove into the yard, he heard Minnie laughing
+heartily. Approaching nearer, he saw her sitting on the piazza; Leo,
+looking rather ashamed, crouching at her feet; and Poll talking, in
+great excitement, in exact imitation of his own tones--
+
+"Leo, come here! good fellow! Down, sir! Leo, Leo! Hurrah, boys; what
+fun!"
+
+As it was near the time for his master's return, the dog had been more
+readily deceived by the parrot's call, and had run rapidly toward the
+house, when he perceived that he had been made a fool of, as he often
+had been before.
+
+A few hours later, they were talking it over in the library, when Mr.
+Lee said he thought he had read an incident very similar.
+
+Minnie joyfully clapped her hands, while her father took down the book,
+and read,--
+
+"A parrot belonging to a gentleman in Boston was once sunning himself in
+his cage, at the door of a shop. Seeing a dog in the distance, he began
+to whistle, when the animal, imagining it to be the call of his master,
+ran swiftly toward the house.
+
+"At this moment, the bird exclaimed, 'Get out, you brute!' when the
+astonished dog hastily retreated, leaving the parrot laughing and
+enjoying the joke."
+
+"That reminds me," added Mrs. Lee, "of a story a lady once told me of a
+parrot she owned, and which was really a wonderfully intelligent bird. A
+new family moved into the neighborhood, consisting, among others, of two
+young ladies, who always dressed very gayly.
+
+"Polly had a bad habit of making remarks upon the passers by, as she
+hung in her cage overlooking the main street. If, as was sometimes the
+case, persons engaged in conversation stopped near the house, they would
+often be startled by the cry,--
+
+"'Go home, now! Want to quarrel?'
+
+"But when she saw ladies dressed fashionably, she gave utterance to a
+most contemptuous laugh, which would have been insult enough by itself;
+but she often accompanied it by the words,--
+
+"'La, how smart I do feel!'
+
+"My friend called at once on her new neighbors, but unfortunately found
+they were out; she waited a long time for the call to be returned, and
+at last began to wonder that no notice was taken of her politeness, when
+the cause of the neglect was explained by a mutual friend.
+
+"It appeared that on several occasions the young ladies had passed the
+house, and had heard the insulting laugh and words, which they
+attributed to my friend; so that when asked whether they had become
+acquainted with Mrs. G., they answered, coolly, 'We have no wish to make
+her acquaintance.'
+
+"Being pressed for a reason, they at last confessed that they had been
+repeatedly insulted, and narrated in what manner it had happened.
+
+"This answer caused such a burst of merriment that they were surprised,
+until, being told that it was the chattering of a tame parrot, they soon
+joined in the laugh, and went at once to make her acquaintance, and also
+that of her mistress."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+POLL AT THE PARTY.
+
+
+"Please, mamma, tell me all you can remember about Mrs. G.'s parrot,"
+cried Minnie, a few days later. "Was she as wonderful as our Poll? and
+was she as handsome?"
+
+Mrs. Lee smiled. "If I should answer all your questions," she said
+presently, "I should have work for the rest of the day. My friend's
+parrot was green, with a brilliant red neck and tail. She was a great
+talker, and seemed to understand the meaning of much of what was said in
+her presence. I can recollect now two or three incidents which are well
+worth repeating.
+
+"Polly was very fond of children, and enjoyed being let out of her cage
+to play with them as much as our Poll does. One day, when Mrs. G. had
+company, they were all startled by hearing loud and repeated screams of
+distress. Recognizing the voice of her favorite bird, my friend ran
+hastily into the yard, expecting to see Polly in some dreadful trouble.
+To her surprise, there was the bird perched safely on the clothes line;
+but going a few steps farther, she saw her youngest child, a darling
+girl between two and three years old, just balancing over the edge of a
+hogshead of water, and entirely unable to recover herself, or to utter
+one sound. Situated as she was, the poor child could not have remained
+long in that position, and, but for the alarm given by the watchful
+bird, must have fallen into the water and drowned."
+
+"O, wasn't that a good bird, mamma? I'm sure they all must have loved
+her better than ever. Will you please tell the rest?"
+
+"Mr. G. was for a long time ill, and was unable to rest well at night.
+Polly, who always remained in their chamber at night, was in the habit
+of rising early, and practising all her accomplishments by herself as
+soon as she could see. She would begin, 'Mr. G.,' and then go on, 'My
+dear,' the name he always called his wife, 'Francis, Maria,' until she
+had repeated the name of every member of the family; after which she
+chattered away a strange mixture of sense and nonsense until called to
+breakfast. After the gentleman was so ill, his best hours for rest were
+soon after dawn, and my friend would whisper, 'Still, Polly! keep
+still!'
+
+"This caution the parrot tried to enforce on herself by softly repeating
+the words away down her throat--'Keep still; Polly! keep still!' and
+ever after until Mr. G.'s death, whenever she saw her mistress point to
+the bed, and put her finger on her lip, she began to whisper, 'Keep
+still, Polly! Keep still!'
+
+"At Mr. G.'s funeral, the clergyman, who was an Episcopalian, read with
+great solemnity the funeral service.
+
+"The strangeness of the scene, the great concourse of people, and the
+sound of weeping, so interested Polly that she did not utter a word;
+but no sooner had the family returned from the grave than she began to
+utter sounds in sentences so nearly like what she had heard at the
+funeral, that it was recognized at once as the service for the dead.
+
+"I forgot to tell you that, having been in the habit of hearing the
+children when they repeated the Lord's prayer, she had long ago learned
+it, and never went to sleep on her perch without uttering the words
+with apparent solemnity.
+
+"After the funeral, whenever a number of persons were assembled and
+began to talk in a mournful tone, Polly always seemed to think this a
+proper occasion to repeat her funeral service, often occupying an hour
+in the recital. There were no distinct words; but the sentences were so
+similar in length, and the tone so exactly that of the clergyman, that
+many persons recognized it without being told who the parrot wished to
+imitate."
+
+"I think Polly is the very best parrot I ever knew," exclaimed Minnie.
+"I wish Mrs. G. would bring her here. I wonder what Poll would say to
+her."
+
+"Mrs. G.'s bird is dead, my dear; and a sad death it was too. I will
+tell you about it. After her husband's decease, my friend had a little
+Blenheim spaniel presented her--a beautiful creature, with long white
+hair like satin, and salmon ears. She was naturally fond of pets, and
+soon became greatly attached to the dog, who returned her affection with
+all his heart. As soon as she entered the room, he ran joyfully to meet
+her, licking her hands, and showing his pleasure in every possible way.
+
+"For some days she noticed that the bird seemed dull, and talked very
+little; yet she did not connect it with the fact of her attention to the
+dog. But at last as Polly refused to eat, and seemed uneasy when the
+spaniel was present, she was convinced that the bird was jealous. Every
+means was tried to reconcile the old friend to the new one, but in vain.
+Polly knew that children must of course be loved and cared for. She
+herself loved the children of her mistress; but she could not endure
+that any other favorite should divide the affection she had so long
+enjoyed. From this time she drooped; and upon consulting a physician, he
+said she had every symptom of consumption. Her feet swelled, and at last
+she died on my friend's breast, seeming 'happy in being allowed to die
+in the arms of one she so dearly loved.'"
+
+A few weeks later, Mrs. Lee invited a small party of friends to take tea
+at her house. They were all seated in the parlor, and Poll, who was out
+of her cage, perched on the back of a chair in the next room, and
+listened with the greatest curiosity to the hum of so many voices.
+
+Presently one of the ladies related a precious bit of scandal then
+running through the town. She had scarcely finished her narration, when
+a shrill exclamation,--
+
+"Possible!" in a tone of incredulity, came through the open doors.
+
+The relator blushed deeply, but went on to prove that her statement must
+be true, while Mrs. Lee was so much amused, she was obliged to make a
+great effort to keep from laughing.
+
+Again, as soon as the lady ceased, the exclamation,--
+
+"Possible!" was repeated, as if in greater doubt.
+
+This was too much of an insult, and the lady's face kindled with anger.
+
+Mrs. Lee quietly arose, saying, "Poll must come in and make her own
+apology for her rudeness;" and soon returned with the parrot clinging to
+her finger.
+
+"Poll has a bad habit of interrupting conversation," she said,
+playfully, "especially when she wishes to be invited to join the
+company, as at present."
+
+"Could that sound come from a bird?" inquired the lady; "I certainly
+thought it was a human voice."
+
+Many of the company tried to make Poll talk, but she declined for the
+present. After a while, however, when some witty remark was made which
+caused a general laugh, Poll laughed too, both loud and long, and then,
+as if perfectly exhausted with so much emotion, exclaimed,--
+
+"Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!"
+
+Two or three of the company had been invited to bring their children,
+and just at this time Minnie returned with her young friends, having
+introduced them to Jacko and her other pets.
+
+The little girls gathered eagerly around Mrs. Lee, begging her to make
+Poll talk to them.
+
+"Perhaps you would like to play a game of hide-and-seek with her," cried
+Minnie; "she plays that real nice."
+
+"Yes, oh, yes indeed!" was the united response.
+
+"Come, Poll," called Minnie, extending her finger.
+
+The parrot went at first with seeming reluctance, but presently entered
+into the spirit of the play, running after the children around the
+tables and chairs, laughing as merrily as any of them, and every once
+in a while repeating that curious "Oh, dear! Oh, dear me!" as if quite
+worn out.
+
+Minnie then called the little girls into the next room, shutting the
+door behind them, when Poll, putting her head down close to the crack,
+seemed trying to listen to what they said. She well understood the game,
+however, for she presently called, "Whoop," and then hid behind the
+door, to catch them when they came along, crying out, as she did so,
+"Ah, you little rogue!"
+
+After this, she laughed so heartily that none could help joining
+her,--certainly the ladies could not; but all agreed she knew altogether
+too much for a bird, and was the most wonderful parrot they had ever
+seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+POLL AND THE BACON.
+
+
+Minnie went one day with her parents to a neighboring town, to visit
+some friends. She had no sooner alighted from the carriage, than she
+heard the familiar sound of a parrot's voice.
+
+"How do you do, miss?" cried the bird, arching its superb neck.
+
+"I am very well, thank you," answered Minnie, laughing. "How are you?"
+
+"I'm sick, very sick." The funny creature hung her head, and assumed a
+plaintive, whining tone. "Got a bad cough. Oh, dear!" (Coughing
+violently.) "I'm sick, very sick. Call the doctor."
+
+"I'm glad you have a parrot," the little girl said to her companion, who
+stood by laughing. "I have one too; I should admire to hear them talk
+to each other."
+
+"Yes, I should; but mother thinks one such noisy bird is more than she
+can endure. Father had Poll given to him when he was a little boy, and
+he says he couldn't keep house without her. She is very old indeed, and
+is often sick, though now she is only making believe. Father will tell
+you how many years she has been in the family."
+
+"There is nothing I like so well," exclaimed Minnie, enthusiastically,
+"as to hear stories about birds and beasts."
+
+"Oh, I'll get father, then, to tell you a funny one about Polly when he
+was a little boy. He knows all about parrots, because he once went to
+the country where they live."
+
+At dinner, Minnie was introduced to the gentleman, whom she regarded
+with great interest, on account of his fondness for the bird. No sooner
+was the dessert brought on the table, and the servants had retired from
+the room, than Lizzie Monson, her young friend, began.
+
+"Papa, will you please to tell Minnie about Poll finding out who stole
+the bacon?"
+
+Mr. Lee burst into a merry laugh, but presently said,--
+
+"I warn you it is a dangerous business. Our little daughter has such a
+passion for birds and beasts, that if she once finds out you are a
+story-teller, she won't let you off very easily."
+
+Mr. Monson gazed a moment into the sparkling countenance of the child,
+upon which her father's remarks had caused the roses to deepen, and
+said, smilingly, "She does not look very savage. Any contribution I can
+make," turning to the child, "to your stock of knowledge on your
+favorite subject will give me great pleasure."
+
+His bow was so profound and his smile so arch that the little girl could
+not help laughing as she thanked him, while Lizzie whispered, "Isn't
+papa a funny man?"
+
+"Ask your friend to come into the library," called out Mr. Monson, as
+they were leaving the dining hall.
+
+"Father, isn't Poll sixty years old?" cried Lizzie, pressing forward to
+attract his attention.
+
+"She has been in the family ninety years," answered the gentleman, "and
+was then probably one or two years of age. It is astonishing how much
+she knows. Lizzie, run and open her cage, and bring her here."
+
+"She is, indeed, a splendid bird," remarked Mrs. Lee, gazing with
+delight at her richly-tinted plumage. "See, Minnie, how her neck is
+shaded from the most beautiful green to the richest mazarine blue."
+
+"And look at her breast, mother; see those elegant red feathers!"
+
+"The parrot," said Mr. Monson, "is an insulated bird. Its manners and
+general structure, and the mode of using its feet, as described by
+naturalists, are different from any other bird. Mr. Vigors, Mr.
+Swainson, and others, consider parrots the only group among birds which
+is completely _sui generis_. A parrot will, by means of its beak, and
+aided by its thick, fleshy tongue, clear the inside of a fresh pea from
+the outer skin, rejecting the latter, and performing the whole process
+with the greatest ease.
+
+"In climbing, I presume you have noticed, she uses her hooked beak as
+well as her feet; and in feeding she rests on one foot, holding the
+food to her beak with the other. Her plumage is generally richly-tinted,
+while in some varieties, like this, it is superb. In all kinds the skin
+throws off a mealy powder, which saturates the feathers and makes them
+greasy."
+
+"Please, papa," cried Lizzie, "to tell about these birds as you saw them
+in their own country."
+
+"I suppose, Minnie," continued the gentleman, "that you know this is
+not the home of your favorite bird. You never see them at liberty and
+flying from tree to tree, as you do the robin or bluebird."
+
+"Yes, sir, I know that. Uncle Frank was going to bring me another parrot
+from South America, but mother thought one was enough."
+
+"I quite agree with you," said Mrs. Monson, enthusiastically, "I can
+scarcely be reconciled to the noise of one, rousing me at all sorts of
+unreasonable hours, and keeping up such a clatter through the whole
+day."
+
+"They are confined to the warmer climates," the gentleman went on, "and
+are most abundant in the tropics. I have seen a flock of them resting in
+a grove of trees, chattering and talking like a company of politicians
+at a caucus. They are indeed very noisy, keeping together in large
+flocks, and feeding upon fruits, buds, and seeds. At night they crowd
+together as closely as possible, and hiding their heads under their
+wings, sleep soundly. As soon as the first ray of light can be
+discerned, they are all awake, chatting over the business for the day.
+First they make their toilet, and in this they assist each other, being
+very fond of pluming each other's feathers.
+
+"One peculiarity of this bird is, that he has but one wife, and never
+marries again. The pairs form lasting attachments, and when one dies the
+mate sometimes mourns itself to death. They make a kind of nest in the
+hollow trees, and there bring up their young. They belong to the
+scansorial order of birds; that is, they have two toes forward and two
+backward. Some of them fly slowly; but others wing their way with the
+greatest rapidity, and for a long period."
+
+"I think," remarked Mrs. Lee, "they are the most intelligent of the
+feathered race."
+
+"Yes, naturalists decidedly give them that character. Poll sometimes
+seems almost too human; and then they are so quick to learn. Did you
+know, Minnie, that a parrot is considered an article of delicacy for the
+table?"
+
+"O, no, indeed, sir! I wouldn't eat a parrot for any thing."
+
+"Nor I; but among other rare and luxurious articles on the bill of fare,
+described by AElian, as entering into the feasts of the Emperor
+Heliogabalus, are the combs of fowls, the tongues of peacocks and
+nightingales, the heads of parrots and thrushes; and it is reported that
+with the bodies of the two latter he fed his beasts of prey."
+
+Minnie's countenance expressed great distress, as she quickly exclaimed,
+"O, how cruel!"
+
+"Now, papa," said Lizzie, "please tell her about Poll and the bacon."
+
+"Yes, I mustn't forget that. When I was a little boy, Minnie, my father
+kept a country store, where all manner of things were exposed for sale.
+On one counter, in the genteel part, were cambrics, calicoes, and even
+silks for ladies' dresses, while at the other end were barrels of
+sugar, boxes of cheese, and other groceries, and above them hung large
+legs of bacon.
+
+"Midway between these, a hook was driven into the beam, and there Poll
+used to hang as long ago as I can remember any thing.
+
+"It was the custom for the men of the village to gather together at the
+store, and talk politics, or gossip about the affairs of the place.
+Long before town meeting, it was well understood at the store how each
+man in the community would vote, and who would be elected to the
+different offices.
+
+"Among others who used to come there, was a man by the name of Brush. He
+was considered an inoffensive, well meaning man, with no force of
+character; but all supposed him honest. Poll, however, knew to the
+contrary; and after a while she convinced others that Brush was a thief.
+
+"It was noticed, when this man got excited by the conversation, that he
+always left the circle round the stove, and walked back and forth
+through the store; and it was at such times that he contrived to cut
+large slices from the bacon, which he carefully concealed in his
+pocket. My father soon began to conclude that the meat, and sundry other
+articles, were missing, but could not imagine who was the thief. He
+watched for several days, not noticing that whenever Mr. Brush made his
+appearance, Poll instantly screamed, 'Bacon.'
+
+"One evening he determined to watch, as, the day previous, a larger
+slice than usual had been taken, and he was hid behind a barrel, when
+he saw Mr. Brush coming softly toward him.
+
+"'Bacon! bacon! bacon!' screamed Poll, at the top of her voice.
+
+"'I'd wring your neck if I dared,' murmured the man, glancing
+maliciously toward the bird; and then he walked back again to the fire.
+
+"After this, father watched the parrot, and found he made this cry only
+when Brush appeared. He thought it so singular that he charged him with
+the theft, which the man, in great confusion reluctantly confessed.
+
+"The curious story of his detection by a parrot soon spread through the
+town, and for years Mr. Brush was called by the name of Bacon, while the
+bird received much attention and many compliments for her sagacity."
+
+"I suppose, then, Poll saw him take it," said Minnie, gravely.
+
+"O, yes! He witnessed the whole proceeding, and did his best to give
+warning at once; but his loud cries were not understood."
+
+"Wasn't he a good bird?" asked Lizzie.
+
+"Yes, indeed. I suppose it would be a good plan to hang a parrot in
+every store."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+PARROT SAVING THE SILVER.
+
+
+Minnie was quite distressed one morning, when, on going to Poll's cage
+to say "Good morning" to her pet, she found her unable to answer, only
+returning a feeble moan. She ran in haste to tell her mother, who
+thought it one of the parrot's tricks. When she came down, however, she
+found Poll was really ill.
+
+[Illustration: "Dear Poll! darling birdie!" Page 115.]
+
+"Dear Poll! darling birdie!" she said, tenderly, stroking the beautiful
+head. "I'll make you some tea, which I hope will soon cure you."
+
+She went at once to a side closet, and taking a little pinch of saffron
+from a paper, sent it to the cook, with directions to steep it at once.
+
+Breakfast that morning was a dull affair, without Poll's lively talk;
+and as, after the saffron tea, she did not at once revive, Minnie began
+to mourn so much lest her dear parrot would die, that her father, to
+occupy her attention, took her to the library, and read her some
+anecdotes, a few of which I will repeat.
+
+"A tradesman in London kept two parrots, which usually hung in a cage
+over the porch projecting from the front door, so that when a person
+stood on the side of the street nearest the house, the birds could not
+be seen.
+
+"One day, when the family were all absent, some one rapped at the door,
+when one of the parrots instantly called out,--
+
+"'Who's there?'
+
+"'The man with the leather,' was the reply.
+
+"'Oh, ho!' retorted the parrot.
+
+"The door not being opened as he expected, the stranger knocked again.
+
+"'Who's there?' repeated the bird.
+
+"'Why don't you come down?' cried the man, impatiently. 'I can't wait
+all day.'
+
+"'Oh, ho!' was the only response.
+
+"The man now became furious, and leaving the knocker, began to pull
+violently at the door bell, when the other parrot, who had not before
+spoken, exclaimed, 'Go to the gate.'
+
+"'What gate?' he asked, seeing no such convenience.
+
+"'Newgate,' was the answer, just as the man, greatly enraged at the
+thought of being sent to Newgate prison, ran back into the street, and
+found out whom he was questioning."
+
+"Dr. Thornton, a benevolent physician in London, once visited the
+menagerie in Haymarket, where he saw a parrot confined by a chain
+fastened to his leg. He talked with the bird, and found he could
+imitate the barking of dogs, the cackling of fowls, and many sounds like
+the human voice. The bird, however, seemed melancholy and restless,
+which induced the good doctor to try and buy him of the owner. He
+succeeded at last in getting him for the sum of seventy-five dollars,
+which Dr. Thornton did not regret, since it would rescue the poor
+creature from her present unhappy confinement.
+
+"The first thing he did was to loose him from the chain, and carry him
+home, where his diet was changed from scalded bread to toast and butter
+for breakfast, and potatoes, dumplings, and fruit for dinner.
+
+"At first, his poor feet were so cramped, and the muscles so much
+weakened from long disuse, that he could not walk. He tottered at every
+step, and in a few minutes appeared greatly fatigued. But his liberated
+feet soon acquired uncommon agility, his plumage grew more resplendent,
+and he appeared perfectly happy. He no longer uttered harsh screams, but
+very readily learned many words, and amused himself for hours repeating
+them. He attached himself particularly to his kind benefactor, and
+always cheerfully practised his little accomplishments to please him,
+calling out, 'What o'clock? Pretty fellow! Saucy fellow! Turn him out,
+Poll.'
+
+"He was friendly to the children of the family, and to strangers, but
+exceedingly jealous of infants, from seeing them caressed.
+
+"He was remarkably fond of music, and danced to all lively tunes, moving
+his wings, and also his head, backward and forward, to keep time. If
+any person sang or played a wrong measure, he stopped instantly. When
+his quick scent announced the time of meals, he ran up and down the
+pole, uttering a pleasing note of request.
+
+"When any food was given him of which he was not very fond, he took it
+in his left claw, ate a little, and threw the rest down; but if the
+variety was nice and abundant, after eating what he wished, he
+carefully conveyed the remainder to his tin pail, saving it for another
+occasion.
+
+"Every Friday a scissors grinder came and worked under his window. After
+listening attentively, Poll tried to imitate the sound with his throat,
+but could not succeed. He then struck his beak against the perch; but
+his quick ear discerned a difference. Finally he succeeded by drawing
+his claw in a particular way across the tin perch, and repeated the
+performance of grinding every Friday, much to the amusement of those who
+saw him."
+
+Minnie was so much interested in these stories that she quite forgot her
+grief, until her mother opened the library door to tell her that her pet
+was beginning to sing.
+
+Minnie flew to see her, and before noon had the pleasure of knowing that
+Poll was quite recovered. Indeed, she had never seemed more gay. She
+hopped first on one foot and then on the other, in curious imitation of
+a polka dance, tossing her head on one side in a most coquettish manner.
+
+Then she talked and laughed with Minnie, exclaiming every now and then
+in a cunning tone, "What are you about, you rogue? O, you little rogue!"
+
+The little girl was delighted. She held Poll on her lap, caressing her
+fondly, and calling her by all sorts of endearing and funny names.
+
+The parrot on her part seemed desirous of showing her gratitude for
+relief from pain by doing all she could to please her little friend. She
+often heard the cook calling Tom, who was apt to run to the barn when
+she wanted him; and she began in a loud, impatient tone, "Tom!" her
+voice rising; then again, "Tom!" falling inflection; "Tom!" again; "I
+say, Tom; come here, you rascal!"
+
+Finding this made Minnie laugh heartily, she began to call, "Leo, come
+here! Lie down, sir! Tiney, Tiney," in a small, fine voice, like the
+child's; "Tiney, Tiney, Tiney! O, you little rogue!"
+
+After this she chattered away like Jacko, cocking her eyes and looking
+as if she thought herself very smart.
+
+Once in a while Poll talked Portuguese, which she had learned from some
+sailors who were in the vessel when she came over, more than fifteen
+years before. She began now to talk what sounded to Minnie like perfect
+jargon, but which so much amused the bird that she kept stopping to
+laugh most heartily.
+
+By and by Mrs. Lee was ready to sit down; and she said Poll had had
+excitement enough for a sick bird, but told Minnie if she would bring
+the book about birds, she would try and find some true stories to read
+to her.
+
+The next hour was passed most pleasantly to both of them. Some of the
+stories I will tell you.
+
+"A parrot belonging to a lady in England was fond of attending family
+prayers; but for fear he might take it into his head to join in the
+responses, he was generally removed.
+
+"But one evening, finding the family were assembling for that purpose,
+he crept under the sofa, and thought himself unnoticed. For some time he
+maintained a decorous silence; but at length he found himself unable to
+keep still, and instead of 'Amen,' burst out with, 'Cheer, boys; cheer!'
+
+"The lady directed the butler to take him from the room; and the man
+had taken him as far as the door, when the bird, perhaps thinking he had
+done wrong, and had better apologize, called out,--
+
+"'Sorry I spoke.'
+
+"The overpowering effect on those present can be better imagined than
+described."
+
+"Here is a story," continued Mrs. Lee, "of a parrot who acted as a
+police officer."
+
+"In Camden, New Jersey, Mr. John Hutchinson had a very loquacious
+parrot, and also a well-stocked chest of silver plate. One day some
+robbers thought they would like to use silver forks, goblets, and
+spoons, as well as their rich neighbors, and watching their opportunity
+broke into the pantry.
+
+"They had already picked the lock off the thick oaken chest, and were
+diving down among salvers, pitchers, and smaller articles, when they
+were terrified to hear a loud, angry voice exclaim,--
+
+"'You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!'
+
+"Dropping the silver, which they had taken, on the floor, the robbers
+made a rush for the window, which they had forced open, and in their
+hurry got over the wrong fence into the yard of a neighbor who kept a
+fierce dog.
+
+"Bruno, not at all pleased with the appearance of his sudden visitors,
+sprang upon them, barking at the top of his voice.
+
+"The noise called the police to the place, and one of the robbers was
+secured.
+
+"The watchful parrot saved his owner's silver. When he was praised for
+his timely interference, he would arch his head, and begin at once to
+call out,--
+
+"'You lazy rascals, I see you! John, bring me my revolver!'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE PARROT AND THE PRINCE.
+
+
+"When Prince Maurice was Governor of Brazil, he was informed of an old
+parrot who would converse like a rational creature. His curiosity became
+so much roused that, though at a great distance from his residence, he
+directed that it should be sent for.
+
+"When Poll was first introduced into the room where the Prince sat with
+several Dutch gentlemen, he instantly exclaimed in the Brazilian
+language,--
+
+"'What a company of white men are here!'
+
+"Pointing to the prince, one gentleman asked, 'Who is that man?'
+
+"'Some gentleman or other,' Poll instantly replied.
+
+"'Where did you come from?' asked the prince.
+
+"'From Marignan.'
+
+"'To whom do you belong?'
+
+"'To a Portuguese.'
+
+"'What do you do for a living?'
+
+"'I look after chickens.'
+
+"The prince laughingly exclaimed, 'You look after chickens!'
+
+"'Yes, I do; and I know well enough how to do it,' clucking at the same
+time like a hen calling her brood.
+
+"Prince Maurice, as well as the rest of the gentlemen, were delighted
+with the intelligence of the bird, and after keeping him at his
+residence as long as possible, the governor gave him a prize for being
+the most sagacious parrot in the kingdom."
+
+When Mr. Lee returned from the city, he found Poll as bright and
+cheerful as a lark. He brought with him a young man in his employ,
+called Theodore, to whom Minnie exhibited all her pets, and who staid
+till after tea, and then Mr. Lee read a few stories to Minnie, with one
+of which I must close my story of Minnie's pet parrot.
+
+"A prince, named Leo Maced, was once accused by a monk of forming a plan
+to murder his father, the emperor. He was, therefore, though protesting
+his innocence, cast into prison.
+
+"After some months, the emperor had a feast, to which he invited most of
+the nobles of his court. They were all seated at table, when a tame
+parrot belonging to the prince, and which was hung up in the room, cried
+out, mournfully,--
+
+"'Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!'
+
+"This exclamation, which was continually repeated, as if the bird could
+not help comparing their sumptuous entertainment with the prison fare
+and confinement of his exiled master, so affected the guests as to
+deprive them of all appetite. It was in vain that the emperor urged his
+delicacies upon them. They could not eat, while the faithful bird
+repeated his plaintive cry,--
+
+"'Alas, alas! Poor Prince Leo!'
+
+"At last one of the nobles with tears entreated the emperor to pardon
+his son, whom they all believed to be innocent. The others joining in
+the request, the father ordered that Prince Leo be brought before him.
+He was soon restored to favor, and then to his former dignities, through
+the affection of his faithful parrot."
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+
+The following typographical errors were corrected:
+
+Page Error
+4    LECTROTYPED changed to ELECTROTYPED
+98   and was then changed to "and was then
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Minnie's Pet Parrot, by Madeline Leslie
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