Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/205

 opossum. Nothing but my love for the children induced me to go through the task; and I was glad and thankful enough when at last the journey was over, and we arrived safely at the clearing.

"Little Zeke spied him first. 'Oh, what a big birdie!' he cried, and made a rush at him. The turkey was too tired to run far, so in a few moments Zeke had him tied by the leg to a tree.

Mother! Polly! Nanny! Baby!' he screamed. 'Come and see what I've got!'

"All came flocking at the call. 'Why, it's a turkey!' exclaimed Mrs. Fiske,—'and a real tame turkey, not a wild one at all!'

It's come for Thanksgiving!' shouted Polly. 'Hurrah! hurrah! now we'll have it for dinner.'

Gobble, gobble, gobble,' said the turkey.

Why, so we will, old fellow!' replied Zeke.

"By general consent the turkey was fastened in a corner of the kitchen, by a string round his leg. He thus became a part of the family. The children were very fond of him. They stuffed