crouch to meet the red in deadly fight. Must one die? he asked, but the
cockers were too intent on the battle to answer his question. The birds
re-sparred and leaped aside, avoiding each other's rushes, and before
long it became clear even to Joseph that their bird, though stronger
than the younger bird, did not spring as high or as easily. A good bird,
he heard the servants say: there'll be a battle for it, my word, there
will, and our bird will win if the young one doesn't get his stroke in
quickly; an old bird will tire out a young bird.... As these words were
spoken, the black cock dashed in, and with a quick stroke sent his spur
through the red bird's head. He's gone this time beyond thy care! And
tears came into Lydia's eyes. I'm sorry, I'd have liked to have seen him
end his days happily among the hens, a-treading of them. Joseph felt he
had not rightly understood her, and when he inquired out her meaning
from her, she told it with so repulsive a leer that he could not conquer
a sudden dislike. He moved away from her immediately and asked her no
more questions.

More cocks were set to fight, and they fought to the death always: only
once did a cock turn tail and refuse to continue the combat. To persuade
him to be brave, the slave in charge placed him breast to breast with
his adversary, but despite all encouragement he turned tail and hid
himself in the netting. Now what will happen to him? Joseph asked. First
he'll be cut and then fattened for the spit or the gridiron, the Heeler
answered. Look, young Master, and turning his eyes whither the Heeler's
finger pointed, Joseph saw the bird's owner sign to the slave that he
was to twist the bird's neck; which was done, and the poltroon went into
a basket by himself--he did not deserve to be with those that had been
slain in combat.

The ring was now covered with blood and feathers, and two slaves came