The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1865-01-28
for the gittle folks
HECTOR, THE GREYHOUND.
sssrBy GRACE GREENWOOD.

Hector was favorite hound of
my brother Rufus, who was extreme
ly ford Of him. for he was one Of the
most beautiful, -amiabie and ir.elii-
gent creatures. He was also large
and strong, and we used. to harness
him in a little sleigh, Oh which he
.drew my youngest brother TO school.
He was feet as the wind, and this
sort Of riding was rare sport. At
night we had but 10 start hi N off
and he would go directly TO the
school house for his little master.
Ah,Hector was a wonderful dog
One afternoon, in early spring we
had been to the woods for wild flow
er<. ] had my apron and my broth
or his cap full Of the brightest and
most beautiful ones we could find.
We had just entered the long, shady
lane which ran down TO the house,
and were talking and laughing very
mernily. when we saw a crowd OF
men aud boys running towards us;
and shouting as they ran. Before
them was a large, brown bulldog.
that, as he came near, we saw was
foaming at the mouth. Then we
heard what the men were CRYING
Ii was "MAD DoGr'
Ny brother and stopped and
chung to each other in great trouble.
Hector stood before US ard growled.
The dog was already so near that
We saw We could not escape; he
came right at US, with his dreadful,
frotiy mouth wide open. He was
just upon us, when Hector caught
him BY the throat, and the two roll
ed on the ground, biting and strug.
Cling. But presently one of the men
came up and struck the mad dog on
the head with club, stunned him,
and finally killed him.
But poor Hector was badly bitten
in the neck and breast, and ali the
men said he must die, too. or he wo'd
go mad. One of the neighbors went
home with US, and told my father
and elder brothers all aboutit. They
were greatly troubled. but promised
that for the safety Of the neighbor
hood, Hector should be shot in the
morning. remember how, while
they were talking, Hector lay on the
doorstep licking his wounds, every
now and then looking round as if be
thought there was some trouble that
he ought to understand.
shall never forgetho giie;edd
that night. I heard the clock strike
ten, eleven, twelve, as ! lay awake
weeping. Hector was sleeping in
the next room, and orce ] got up and
stole OUT to see him as he lay on the
hearih-rug unquielly, for his wounds
panied him. ! went and stood so
near that my tears fell on hi head
but was careful not to wake him,
forI somehow felt guilty toward him.
The weather changed and iigrew
chilly in the morning. II was gloo
my enough. Little breakfast did any
Of us eat; and after j, was over,ilec-
tor was led into the yard and fas'en-
edto-a stake. He had never before
in all his life been tied, and he row
looked troubled and ashamed. Hni
my mother spoke pleasantly TO him.
and patted him, and he held up his
head and looked proud again. My
mother was greatly grieved that the
poor fellow should have to die for de-
fielding her children, and when she
turned away her eyes were filed with
tears, seeing which. cried louder
than ever. One after another, We
all went up and took leave Of our
dear aad faithful friend. Ny young
est brother chung about him longest.
crying and sobbing as though his
heart would break. II seemed as il
we should never get the child away.
Rufus said that no one should shoot
his dog but himself, and while we
children were bidding farewell, he
stood a little distance loading his RI
fe. He came to take leave, and laid
his hand tenderly on Hector's head,
but did not speak 10 him or look in
to his eyes-ihose sad eyes, which
seemed to ask what all this crying
ment. He then stepped quickly back
10 his place and raised the rifle lc his
shoulder. Then poor Hector appear
ed 10 understand i, all, and 10 know
that he must die, for he gave a loud,
niuurnfnlcry, trembled all over. and
crOucied toward the ground. My
brother dropped the gun. and leaned
uponIii. pale and distressed Then
came The strangest thing of all. Hec-
tor-seemed to have strength given
him 10 submit to his fate; he stood
Il