Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1858-04-09
M / SC E.I. / a n x
From the Olive Branch.
Somebody's Dog.
BY BERTHA MORTIMER.

M BY BERTHA MORTIMER
1t was bright spring morning, in the
year lS5-, that | sprang from The platform
of the cars AT r., and BOXED anxiously
around, TO see IT. among the crowd, there
was one who waited for my coming one
eager 10 welcome back The homesick wan
derer.
had been absent many months had
searched our every member of widely
+, scattered household; had visited The great
lnarls OF the new world, and trod their
streets, and viewed their wondrous sights.
until my feet were weary, and NV ewes
We're tired OF gazing | had stood in the
presence OF the seven wonders of America.
had fated upon the bosom of the western
lakes, the Father of Waters, and the bill
lows OF The mighty sea, and was now re-
turning, weary and alone, to the hearts un-
wavering pole star-home. As approach.
ed the spot of my birth. weariness and the
long days of absence were alike forgotten.
and the cars had hardly ceased their mo-
tion, ere was upon the ground, expecting
The next moment to be clasprd in nv ft-
Tiers arms. But looked in vain not a
soul whom | had ever seen. could find
among the crowd and disappointed, turn
ed sadly away, and sat down upon the first
gac.In seat.
How The heart ,hrobs at the thought of
meeting the loved ones around the family
hearth. How the pulse quickens, aud the
che'k glows, as we anticipate the eager
welcome and warm kiss of those who con I
the iardy moments TIL oar coming Thus
~ - 4 Il Il .E...
cheek with its quickened pnlsations; thus I
had | been all eagerness TO grasp the hand
of love, and in proportion to my wild ex-
pertation, was my disappointment am
not given TO tears, but as | sat there alone.
single drop rolled down my cheek an
fell into my lap. At this moment, large
Newfoundland dog, whose size aud beauty |
could scarcely fail to attract attention, ap- |
preached me, and regarding me Tor some
ments with wistiul look. began to rub his
head against me. as if to attract my atten-
ton. / shook him off, and again he lay
down by nv feet. In short time, howey-
er. he was again endeavoriig 10 attract my
attention, and this time instead OF driving
him away. placed my hand upon his head,
and said, almost involuhtarlly, 'Poor tel
low. are YOU alone too? lie seemed to
conpreh nd me, and by his renewed ca
resses evidently wished to manifest his
sympathy; all alone as | was, | am free 10
confess that il was not lost upon me, and
we were fast becoming friends, when my fa-
ther arrived to welcome me home.
In the first wild JOY of our meeting, my
canine friend was entirely forgotten; and
il was not until my father inquired if knew
what strange dog was following us, that my
attention was again called 10 him. re-
lated the circumstances of our meeting at
the station, and the dogs evident desire TO
make my acquaintance, adding that he was
"a noble looking fellow, and no doubt as mo-
bile as he appeared. My fslher, however.
was decided anfi-caninist, and had 10 no
tion Of taking a stray eur home with him,
so the poor dog was very uneeremonlously
;nvited 10 take himself off. When he found
We DIS ere of no avail, my fiiher got out
of the carriage, and by scolding and me
snacing gestures. endeayored TO frigilten him
back; which threats, however, were reeelY-|
ed with a eountenanee more in sorrow than
in anger; and were as unayailing rs before.
Springing past his opponent, lie placed him
self beside the carriage. and looked up TO
for protection. There was nothing of The
hang-dog look about him, and his silent ap-
peal was more than could bear; | begged
that he might be permitted 10 follow us if
he chose, and as my father was in no mood
to refuse, my request was granted. The
dogs look Of gratitude was 10 me an am
pie return, and | even fancied that my fa-
ther was net wholly unaffected by it.
] will not attempt to describe the JOY of
that home meeting,-that reunion OF the
circle so long broken. They who have ex-
perienced such joy. can feel what words
cannot ell;-they Who have not, can form
no idea OF il from description. Suffice it,
that in the general rejoicing, my poor dog
was again forgotten, until, happening 10 get
in the way, he was accidently brought into
notice. My mothers first move was to-
wards the door. but sprang forward and
prevented her, by saying that brought the
dog home with me.
~You have not been hunting dogs. l
hope;r was her reply, Whose is he, and
how came you by him 7"