ne became tired of
the humdrum life he was leading. He had noticed that his friends, the
gannets and murres, with many other acquaintances, were in the habit of
going on long trips each fall and not returning again until the warmer
weather of spring had arrived. His own family was content to stay at
home the year round, not showing the least ambition to travel or visit
any of those other countries about which their neighbors were
continually talking. He was particularly interested to learn that in
the south the sun was never lost in winter and the days were warm and
balmy, just the same as in summer. He was growing tired of his
bachelorship, and therefore he decided to seek a bride outside of his
own people, one that would be willing to travel with him. Meeting one
of the young ladies of the Barnacle Goose family, he proposed that she
should become his wife, lauding himself by saying what a sweet voice he
had, and what a good husband he would make. Miss Goose hung her head
and demurred a little, nevertheless she accepted the offer, and they
began their wedding tour together.

The goose, knowing the route, took the lead straight out over the
ocean, while the raven followed, trying to keep pace with his bride. As
the day waned, the raven began to feel the effects of the long flight,
while hunger was admonishing him that he had partaken of only a light
breakfast that morning. So addressing his wife, he said, "My dear,
don't you think it is about time for us to take a rest while we try to
find something to eat?"

"All right, husband," was her reply, as she settled lightly down on the
waves. But there was no place for the raven to alight, unless upon his
wife's back. All was water, so with a slight apology, he lit on the
bride's back. After a short time she began to feel her husband's weight
to be somewhat of a burden. Seeing a small fish, she remarked, "Look
out, dear," as she dove and captured it. The raven just had time to
open his weary wings, to avoid a ducking; then he had the mortification
of seeing how selfish his bride was, as she swallowed the whole fish
without offering him even a small piece, although he was famishing with
hunger.

The goose then started to continue the journey, while the raven
implored her to rest just a little longer; but no, she would not. There
was nothing else for him to do but to continue his flight, trying to
keep up with his wife, while beseeching her to take another short rest.
So th