"What is that?" I asked, eagerly.
"My hen."
"What is she doing?"
"Singing," said the gentleman.
"Beautiful!" I responded. "I will give you forty dollars for her."
"Take her," replied her keeper. "She is yours."
"What breed is it?" I inquired.
"Spanker," said the gentleman, "but rare. It is one of Ellett's importation—genuine."
"Remarkable pullet!" I ventured.
"Hen, sir, hen," insisted the stranger.