Jack of Both Sides | Page 9

I say,
there's paper down this lane; look--and it has a bit of Green's writing on
it. You bet this is the true trail, and that the hares only scooted along
the main road a bit farther, on purpose to mislead."

"You may be right. Anyhow, let's try our luck. It's downhill, so we can
put on steam. What sport if they all have to turn round, and find we're
in front instead of behind! Mind, old chappie, I'm passing on your
right ... wait for you ... below!"
The last words came faintly back; Cadbury had passed Grey like a
streak of lightning, his feet up, and his hands in his pockets.
There was a turn in the lane farther down, so that Grey for a minute lost
sight of his comrade. He looked carefully ahead as he rounded it, to see
if the end of the descent were near. The hill only grew steeper, but the
end was a good deal nearer than he thought.
A half-grown chicken, startled by his silent approach, sprang out of the
hedge and fluttered in front of his wheel, clucking madly. Grey pealed
his bell, but it had no effect on the distracted chicken, which seemed
bent on destruction. He clutched his brake; it would not work. There
came a stifled squawk, and a slight bump!
In affright and agitation, Grey turned his machine into the hedge, and
tumbled off, somehow, anyhow, into the road.
Five minutes later, Cadbury was toiling back up the hill in quest of his
school-fellow, when he came upon a very unexpected sight. A prostrate
bicycle beside a live, but bruised and dusty boy, who was sadly gazing
upon the body of a chicken.
"My good Grey! Good gracious! What has happened? How did you
manage it?"
"Oh, Cadbury, I'm so glad to see you! Isn't it awful? I wouldn't have
run over it for worlds if I could have helped it, but it simply insisted on
it!"
"Suicide while temporarily insane," put in Cadbury, covering his mouth
with his hand.
"Well, it did look just as if it wanted to die! But what shall I have to

fork out, do you suppose? Five bob? I've got no more on me. Say, they
aren't likely to prosecute, are they?"
Grey was really frightened. Cadbury looked at the picture again, tried
to take it seriously, failed, and burst into a fit of laughter.
"Awfully sorry, Grey, but--ha, ha, ha!--what am I to do? You--ha, ha,
ha!--you do look a treat! I--ha, ha, ha!--I'll stop in a minute. Oh, ho, ho,
ho, ho, ho!"
Poor Grey felt anything but amused. He gathered himself to his feet,
and remarked stiffly, "Well, Cadbury, when you've done--"
Cadbury steadied himself with an effort.
"It's all over now, Grey. I'm as grave as a judge. And to show you how
penitent I am, I'll see this job through for you. But you must obey me to
the letter. No, don't brush yourself! Just lie down again as you were,
and, however much you're tempted to, don't apologize! Be dignified
and injured."
Grey objected, but was persuaded to submit.
"Now to find the owner of this giddy young fowl! We'll see if they lay
claim to it here."
Cadbury pushed open a little gate, and knocked at the door of the
nearest cottage. It proved to be the residence of the chicken's mistress,
an untidy, heavy-looking woman, who apparently lived alone. Cadbury
greeted her with the air of a constable, lawyer, and magistrate rolled
into one, and the woman listened with deep respect.
"If the fowl of which I am speaking does belong to you," he pursued, in
stern and solemn tones, "I am sorry to tell you it has been the cause of a
most unfortunate accident that might have proved fatal. I suppose you
are well aware that cattle, poultry, and other domestic animals are
required to be kept under proper control. If you will kindly step outside
with me, I will show you what mischief has been done."

The woman, looking much concerned and a little frightened, followed
Cadbury meekly to the scene of disaster. When she saw the lifeless
chicken, she raised her hands in horror.
"Dear, dear, dear, sir! Why, it's dead!"
"And it's a very good thing, madam, for you and for all of us, that my
friend here is not dead," said Cadbury reprovingly. "The chicken did
not die until it had done its best to kill him. And also to wreck his
machine! A bicycle is a very costly thing. Grey, my dear fellow, are
you feeling a little better? You are sure no bones are broken?"
Cadbury's voice was full of tender anxiety.
"I think not, thanks," responded Grey without moving.
"Dear, dear, dear, sir!" exclaimed the woman