Watching Ahab

Magpies frequent the vicinity of the Cosy Apartment. They are a common bird, and many people dislike them for their noise and voracious ways. They will eat the eggs and the young of other birds. But magpies have their place in the scheme of things, and, like other animals, are welcome at Café Cosy. I scatter cat-food for them and they come, usually in a flock, to partake of the buffet. It keeps them from attacking other birds as both competitors and prey, and it provides entertainment for the cats.

One magpie comes sometimes alone. He has but one leg. I call him Ahab. To balance while feeding, he seems to roll and hop a great deal. But he looks fat and, except for his missing limb, appears in good shape. Yesterday morning, Ahab came to eat breakfast, and to provide the beasts with something to watch.