f from each other, both probably
claiming the victory.

For some days after this, the cock, taught prudence, allowed the goose
to remain in quiet, the gander watching him narrowly. The latter at
last, trusting to the lesson he had given the cock, wandered away for
provender to a distant part of the yard. No sooner was he gone than the
cock, which had all the time been waiting for an opportunity, again
assaulted the poor goose. Her loud cries were fortunately heard by the
gander, which came tearing along with outstretched wings to her
assistance, and seizing the cock by the neck, before the angry bird
could turn his head, he hauled him along to the pond. In he plunged,
and soon had him in deep water. "I am more than your master now,"
thought the gander, as he ducked the cock under the surface; "I will
take care you shall never more interfere with my dear goose." And again
and again, he ducked the cock, keeping his head each time longer under
water, till at last his struggles ceased, and he was drowned.

It is sinful to harbour the slightest feeling of revenge in our hearts;
yet those who attack others unable to defend themselves, either by word
or deed, must expect to receive deserved punishment from the more
powerful friends of their victims.

THE FARMER AND HIS GOOSE.

A Cheshire farmer had a large flock of geese. As he was passing through
the yard one day, one of the geese quitted its companions and stalked
after him. Why it did so he could never tell, as he had shown it no
more attention than the rest of the flock. The following day the goose
behaved in the same way; and at length, wherever he went--to the mill,
the blacksmith's shop, or even through the bustling streets of the
neighbouring town--the goose followed at his heels. When he went to
church, he was obliged to shut up the goose.

While ploughing his fields, the goose would walk sedately before him,
with firm step, and head and neck erect--frequently turning round and
fixing its eyes upon him. One furrow completed, and the plough turned,
the goose, without losing step, would adroitly wheel about; and would
thus behave, till it followed its master home.

Even in the house, as he sat by the fire in the evening, it would mount
on his lap, nestle its head in his bosom, and preen his hair with its
beak, as it was wont to do its own feathers.

Even when he went out shooting, the goose followed like a dog, getting
over the fences as well as he co