The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

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Chapter 39 • Vultures, Beggars, Con Men, and Kings
surveying the area. His heart pounded fast in his ears. Lips
trembling, he asked, “Who said that?”
“Who said that?” repeated the voice. It seemed to come from
that isolated tree.
Jonathan eyed the vulture-like bird. Neither moved. He spoke,
“You talk? Birds can’t talk!”
Mustering his courage and taking a deep breath, Jonathan
slowly approached the tree. The bird didn’t move a feather, though
Jonathan had the distinct feeling of being under its gaze.
Again Jonathan spoke, trying to keep his voice steady, “You
talk?”
“Of course!” replied the condor arrogantly. “I am a condor,
the largest member of the proud vulture family.” Jonathan’s knees
buckled and he nearly fell. He caught himself in time and lowered
in a crouch before the tree. “You – you, can speak?”
“Ahem,” puffed the bird. “Can you? You don’t seem to know
what you’re saying half the time. Just mimicking, I suppose.” The
bird swivelled his head slightly and said, in an accusing tone, “What
did you mean when you said you left a valley of vultures?”
“I – I – I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you,” sputtered
Jonathan, feeling a little silly to be talking with a bird. “All those
people down there were so cruel and brutal to each other. It’s just a
fi gure of speech about vultures and such. The people reminded me
of, well, of...”
“Vultures?” The bird expanded the ruff of feathers below his
bald head and neck. Jonathan nodded meekly.
Alisa emerged from the trees and the sight of the exchange
took her breath away. “He exists!” she exclaimed. She hastened to
Jonathan’s side and grasped his arm whispering, “The great Bard
really exists! I thought it was only a myth. I never imagined – and
so big and ugly!”
The condor grunted and fl apped his great wings before settling
back on his branch. “Thank you for the kind introduction, Alisa.”
Seeing her surprise at hearing her name, the Bard responded,
“You knew of me. Why shouldn’t I know of you and your friend,
Jonathan?”
Alisa and Jonathan looked at the condor, awestruck.