Cockletop was the only thoroughbred Speckled Wyandot in the barnyard. She was very proud of this and thought that she was too good to live with the other hens.

"They are so plain," she said. "But look at my beautiful markings! I ought to be where people can see me. I shall just fly over the fence and show myself to the world."

Old Buff Rooster shook his red comb and said, "Cock-a-doodle doo! Cock-a-doodle doo! The barnyard's the place for you!"

But over the fence went Cockletop. All the other hens ruffled their feathers and cried, "Cut, cut, cut, ca-dack! You'd better come back." The little hen ran on, clucking to herself, "Tut, tut, tut, I'll never go back, I'll never go back."

A hawk saw the vain little hen all alone. Down he swooped and caught her in his big claws.

But old Buff had been watching the hawk and flew to the top of the fence and crowed with all his might. The hens cackled over and over again, "Cut, cut, cut ca-dee-ee! Farmer come and see!" "Cut, cut, cut ca-dee-ee! Farmer come and see!" Out of the house came the farmer with a big shot-gun. The hawk saw that he could not get away carrying Cockletop, so he dropped her. But alas, her fine feathers were all torn and ragged.

She crept under the barnyard fence and tried to hide herself. But the other hens saw her and cried, "Cut, cut, cut, ca-dight! Served her right!"

From the top of the barnyard fence old Buff Rooster shouted with his loudest crow, "Cock-a-doodle doo! I told you so! Cock-a-doodle doo! I told you so!"