Boldy The Brave Triumphant Cock

Once upon a time there lived a farmer on the outskirts of a forest called Sundarvan. The forest came up to the backyard of his house. The farmer had among other things two-dozen chickens. He built a house for them. There were mother hens, two or three cocks and a number of chicks.

One day a fox called Suksham strayed near the house in search of water. When he saw the rosy chicks his mouth watered like anything. “How delicious they should be. I should find a way to get them.” He said to himself.

During the daytime it was impossible to steal chicks, for there always was some member of the farmer's family present. He decided to pay a nocturnal visit.

The very next day he carried out his plan. The poor farmer lost two chicks. He knew it was the work of some fox. He summoned the cocks and scolded them for failing to protect the chicks. “ You chicken hearted cocks, how cowardly you all proved. I am going to get rid of you. When I go to town tomorrow I am going to buy a very brave fighter cock,” he said.

Next day he did as he said. The cock he brought was a hefty one.  He was head and shoulders above ordinary cocks. He was majestic. His bill was razor sharp. His crest was blood red. His legs were as strong as steel.

The farmer named him Boldy. He told Boldy about the fox. “Don’t worry I will take care of the furry  thief” said Boldy spreading his wings widely showing his fantastic bicep muscles.

When the news of the arrival of Boldy reached the ears of Suksham he said, “pooh! a cock is a cock whether he is one foot tall or two feet tall. What chance he has got against my jaws.” He went down that evening to have a look at Boldy.

When he saw Boldy as he stood on a rock, Boldy flapped his wings and crowed a full-throated ‘cock a doodle do’.... a shiver crept up his back bone. “No doubt this fellow is going to be a tough customer,” he admitted to himself.

That night Suksham made for the farmer’s backyard with infinite caution. There was no sign of Boldy. But when Suksham poked his nose into the window of the chicken house someone tapped his hindquarters.

When he whirled round he saw Boldy standing with a grin. “Now I caught the thief red handed” said Boldy and gave a severe peck. Suksham jumped up and tried to grab Boldy’s neck but before he could do so there came another blow from the strong bill of Boldy. “Ooook” he howled and fled. Next morning saw Suksham licking his wounds mournfully.

His friend Crooky called on him. “We are gifted with cunning. You have to make use of it, you have to try the subtler method. Go and try to make friends with Boldy, get him to accept your invitation to visit your hole. Once he comes to our place we can put an end to him. After all he is a feather headed fool,” said Crooky. Suksham’s face brightened.

Two or three days later he went over to the farmer’s house, stood by the fence and called “Boldy Boldy”. Boldy was surprised, a fox calling a cock in such a friendly honey coated tone. “Come on Boldy let us forget what happened the other night. I give my word that I won’t bother you and your master any more. Let us become friends.”

Boldy was swayed by the syrup soaked  words of Suksham.

Before leaving, Suksham succeeded in making Boldy accept an invitation to visit his house the next day. That night Boldy went to his master and asked for permission to visit Suksham.

“He is reformed. He has mended his ways” he assured his master.

But the farmer did not believe a word. He knew Suksham was up to play some trick. He said  “Ok Boldy you can go but take some precaution. Carry with you a small knife. I will tie it to your leg. You are an expert in wielding knives. Aren't you?” Boldy reluctantly agreed to carry a knife.

Morning came.  Boldy trotted his way to the house of Suksham. “Suksham Suksham are you in? This is Boldy here” he shouted. “Come on in” came the voice from within. Boldy stepped into the house, looked at this side and that there was no one. He went deeper.

Then suddenly something pounced on him from behind “now you are going to pay for your pride and audacity” rang out the voice of Suksham. But Boldy was not an ordinary cock. With one jerk he shook off Suksham . Then a real fight followed.

Poor Suksham had no idea of the hidden knife. Within minutes he was bleeding from half a dozen cuts. He shot out of his house letting out a prolonged howl.

Crooky who actually wanted to join Suksham revised his plan and slinked away saying to himself “he is not a cock. He is a spook”.

As for Boldy he walked back to the house like a soldier returning triumphantly from the battlefield without a scratch on his bill!