SCENE--_The People's Palace; In Building set apart for Poultry,
Pigeon, and Rabbit Show. Stream of Visitors inspecting animals in zinc
and wire pens._
_Amandus Milendius (to Amanda Milendia: coming to a halt before cage
containing "roopy"-looking fowl, with appearance of having been sent
out on pair of legs several sizes too tall for it)._ They've 'ighly
commended _'im_, yer see.
_Amanda M. (who does not converse with facility)._ Um!
[_Looks at bird without seeing it._
_Amandus._ Yes, they must ha' thought 'ighly of 'im before they'd
commend him like that, yer know!
_Amanda (wishing she was readier of response)._ Ah! (_The fowl winks
slowly at her with his lower eyelid_). Come away--I don't like him!
[_They move on._
_The Exhibitor (coming up and inspecting his bird with pride)._
'Ere--JOE! (_Fowl shuts both eyes with a bored expression_). B'longs
to _me_--that bird, Sir! (_To Bystander._)
_Visitor (from the West; anxious to be agreeable)._ Ha, a fine
bird--magnificent!
_Exhibitor._ Bred 'im myself, Sir--he's a bit sleepy just now.
(_Apologetically_). Wake up, ole chap! (_Fowl half opens one eye, and
closes it immediately on perceiving proprietor._) _Knows_ me, yer see!
_Visitor (with fatal rashness)._ A--a Brahma, isn't he?
[_Wonders what made him say that, and tries to think what Brahmas
are like--when they are not locks._
_Exhibitor (in tone of pitying reproach)._ _No,_ Sir--no.--Black Red
_Bantam_, Sir!
_Visitor (wishing he had remained vague)._ Oh--ah, just so--good
evening.
_A Cock (derisively)._ Crorky--rorky--roo!