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Show REAL TRAGEDY l.M BIRD LIFE Story of Long Vigil Kept by Tcarlet-Coated Tcarlet-Coated Songster for Missing Mate Is Full of Pathos. In the annuls of bird lore nothing can be found surpassing in pathos the story which comes from Tnrlton, O. For many weeks, close to the home of the writer, early and Into there could be hearffihe loud, clear cali of a bird to his mate. With his scarlet coat in strong contract with his surroundings, and his no less decided military bearing, bear-ing, he would perch on the topmost tw-ig of a tall apple tree, and from his coign of vantage scan the little world around him with his eagle eye, hoping to glimpse the familiar form of his lost companion. His alert ear and eye catching no sight or sound of the nb-, sent loved one, he would pour out hia soul in unavailing pleadings for her return. The little singer in his untiring untir-ing song proclaimed the fact that he was waiting with a hopeful heart. One morning, while in quest of the early worm, he chanced to light upon a' bush that stood by a window opposite the window of another house only a few feet away, and, seeing his image reflected so vividly and so close to him, he flew joyously at the apparition, believing be-lieving it to be his long-lost mate. His enthusiasm knew no boundo. Qtilcl and hard were the blows struck with-! his horny beak and claws in his im- potent wrath until nightfull, vhen he' sank to rest. The next morning at early dawn he renewed his clarion, call, and came back to renew the bat-: tie of the previous day with, his delusive de-lusive image. This little tragedy in' the heart of the bird has been carried on for five months. His flaming coat! Is just as bright anrl his kingly bearing bear-ing none the less striking, but a great change hac come over the spirit of the bird. He gave no sign of the battle bat-tle royal that has raged in his breast for weary days and weeks, but his song has fallen into silence. Cincinnati Cincin-nati Enquirer. |