Part 2 continued:
A dark shadow swooped over the yard. It was Newton, the EE Rooster and yard leader. He came down from the coop roof to see the commotion and was surprised to see dear Winifred, of all poultry, to be in a scrap.
" Oh, Newton, it's you." cried Danice.
" Winifred's talking nonsense! " clucked Lottie.
" Nonsense? " said Newton, " What do you mean nonsense?"
" She's sick in the head, " said Danice, "she hatched a turkey".
All the hens and pullets began to cause a commotion, loudly clucking and gossiping.
" I beg to differ! " clucked Winifred.
" Oh please, what could you argue? " laughed Danice.
" Can I get a word in? " cried Winifred. The flock grew louder and louder till Newton let out a long, deep crow. Immediatly the flock was silenced.
" A turkey?" he said, " A turkey? Let me see this chick and determine what exactly it is. "
Damsel came out from behind her mother shyly. Winifred gave her a small push with her wing.
Newton was astounded, " This tiny chick is what's causing all this trouble? This? "
Winifred spoke softly, " Her name is Damsel, she's a Naked Neck. Judging by her down, she'll have pure white feathers. "
" I've never heard of a Naked Neck. " said Newton. He circled the chick, observing her down, her body, and her neck.
He spoke again, " She is a chicken, I assure you. " The rest of the flock gasped.
Annebelle piped up, " But her neck..."
" She was born with it, though I imagine she'll have her neck feathers by the time she's a pullet."
"Well, no." said Winifred.
" Oh," crowed Newton, " then I suppose when she's a hen--"
" She'll never have neck feathers, Newton. " stated Winifred, looking solemn at the chick.
" Never? "
Winifred nodded sadly, not because she hated Damsel's exposed throat, she just knew Damsel's reputation would be bad.
" Then I suppose...that she's somewhat of an oddball then. " sighed Newton, " As the leader of this flock, I'm telling you to be accepting of not only this chick but all of Winifred's children."
"Oh, her other kids are darling, " begun Danice, " it's just---"
" Enough out of your beak, Danice. Do what I say, see you all at supper tonight. "
And without another word, Newton flew back up to the roof to remain on guard of his flock.
