The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-02-25
Rnhert and his Dog.

Robert and his Dog.
NV eldest brother, John Ward, was
pre-eminently an "odd fish," Father
wanted him to go to college, and study
law. and mother wanted him to be a
minister but he persistently declined
all these honors, and soon after he went
into the logging districts of Maine, took
farm, built log house, married wife,
and nearly broke all our hearts by turn
ing Downeaster.
1t was more than dozen years before
any of us could muster courage to visit
him in his savage haunts /; but l expert
enced religion, and resolved to turn
peacemaker SO one fine September L
determined to surprise John with visit.
His wife was pretty, but a little bashful.
They had five children, clad in monde
script attire. Those in jacket and
trowsers, coniectured, were boys; those
in short frocks, without trousers, girls.
/ was right, with the exception OF the
Youngest, q two-year- old boy.
But all this has nothing to do with the
story of Robert and his dog. Master
Robert was the eldest, aged ten. He
was hard, sturdy specimen, thoroughly
alive, with round, sunburnt cheeks, a
compact frame, and evidently possessing
all the self-willed independence and en-
terprise of his father.
John did not rule his children with a
rod of iron. He let them do about as
they pleased, and treated them as equals.
They lived very amicably, in spite of a
slumbering spirit of INSTRUMENTATION in
every heart, which word might kindle
into mimic rebellion. John never
spoke that word.
could not get acquainted with Rob
ert He was as shy as partridge, and
only said A" Yes'm whenever 1 spoke to
him. / wanted to study his character.
At last fortune favored me.
| had wandered about among the half
burnt stumps III the corn-tield, and had
come to brush fence behind the school
house. School was just out, and half a
dozen young miscreants were enjoying
themselves in doubtful manner,
pelting strange dog with sticks and
stones.
/ was Just about TO interfere, when a
drawer champion suddenly appeared. 1t
was Robert.
He took an attitude worthy the prize
ring, and putting his menacing fists in
unpleasant proximity to one or two
suspicious looking noses, exclaimed,
elf you want to fight, try it with a
fellow who can fight also. Now, throw
your brickbats if you want to Fire
away -
The Young ruffians struggled away,
and the dog sneaked off after Robert.
When l reached home, the champion
was slowing away huge bowl of bread
and milk. He seemed absent
minded. Presently he said, with some.
thing of an effort, "Father, mayn't
have dog r.
"Well, well-that's a new idea
Who's got a lot of puppies they CAM
give away"
Nobody. found dog to-day, and
want to keep him."
"Nonsense dogs are in the way
Where is your dogS Can he drive
sheep"
Robert went to the barn and returned
with the sneaking cur. The animal die
not appear to the best advantage. HI,
was very diffident, and could not fn(
courage to stand upright, but crawlet
along after Robert, rolling his eyes abou
in an agonizing manner
This was the introduction to the fam
ily, and he was greeted with deafenine
shouts of laughter.
"He isn't the handsomest dog in tn,
world, but he looks strong and good ma
tured. He will brighten up when h
gets acquainted.
Nothing Eiore was said, so Robert con
sidered himself the owner of dog who's
name was Fldo.
They went off together one Saturda,
afternoon when the blackberries were il
the very height of their luscious ripe
ness. Fido carried the basket with
world of dignity. Robert alternatel
whistled and talked with the dog.
Fido had frightened nest of part
ridges, and had gone running after them
and Robert crawled under a huge pile O
burnt logs to gather some finer berrie
than he had seen before. He was whist
ling in a careless manner and rapidly.fill
ing his basket, when suddenly a savag
growl from Fido startled him. He di
not look round, but said, "Do you Sc
"A rabbit, Fidol Catch him."
The dog gave shrill, fierce bark, s
sharp and earnest that Robert locke
behind him. Fido was drawn up in lin
of battle, every particular hair standin
up straight on his back.
Poor fellow! What do you see
doggy"
Another sharp cry of fear rom Eide
"a he advanced little. Roberts eve
followed in the direction, and his bloc
grew cold at the sight. A huge blac
bear was moving stealthily toward hin
He was a brave boy, but his limb
trembled and as he moved backward
~ IL L.
He looked up. There was a tree fe
Yards from him that he could climb.
he could reach that He sprang bacl
and began to spring over the trunks {
fallen trees. The bear was gaining upo