Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-03-22

Then heavy body fell again and again
against the kitchen door, after which there
were faint cries and moaus; and Timson
said ROuser had assailed some belated trav-
eller, and killed him. But he did not dare
20 out to the rescue " either the baby or
the man.
By-and-by the uproar subsidized, and moth
ing was heard but the soft footsteps aud the
taiLrappings of poor Rouser
Burke called out, Rouserl Rouserw
aud the dog answered with the quick, sharp
bark OF recognition and pleasure, and began
scratching for admittance.
AZ Farmer Timson made no motion to-
wards surveying the scene Of carnage, Burke
took up the candle. opened the door softly,
went on, and closed IL behind him. In an
instant he gave q loud cry.
Halo, old fellow, you've douc the business
now, haven't you z"
And Iouser jumped upon him aud Tapped
his checks, and expressed great delight at
the scene revealed by the dim candle,
What is it, Burke %. cried Mr.. Timson.
Come out and see. There's nothing
that'll hurt yon now. Mother, you can come,
too, aud Carrie, il you won't take cold"
The family adjourned to the shed, which
looked like a battlefield, so strewed was II
with the remains Of animal aud fowl.
Two wildcats, who had young family
TO feed, had stolen under the loose founda.
ton of the barn, and encouraged 10y previous
success, when Rouscr was in Burke's loft,
had made another raid upon the hen-roost.
Rouser had heard them, and flew To the res
cue of the fowls. lie chased the cats, with
their pray in their teeth, into the shed. and
there raised the uproar We have described.
n,,t Hpuu.ffs tfta coat x.as cuIlV stained
with blood one Of his ears was torn, and
an eye showed signs Of the wildcats claws.
The candle revealed the poor victims
two noble, great hens, and also their enemies,
bleeding and dead from the reception they
had met at the hands, or rather, the paws
and teeth Of our friend Rouser,
There :" cried Farmer Timson, de
clare if they amt the fellows that's made all
the mischief over TO brakes aud Stebbins e.
" Yes, and they're the fellows that carried
of our thirteen fowls when had Rouser up
stairs to keep him away from the hens.
This is Just what the doctor said he would
do, II anything attacked the fowls
Well, now, 60 to bed. and I'll clear all
this up at daybreak. Haven't you got q
bone for the dog, mother He's had hard
hours work." said Timson.
Rouser got bone, aud very soou the
house was again as silent rs II nothing nm
usual had occurred.
The doctor had hardly htched his horse
before the door, next morning. when Farmer
Timson rushed out and said
This is a remarkable dog Of ours I'm
much ohleeged to YOU for him, for believe
we shotld have lost the whole of our poultry
but for him"
And then he told the story Of Rcuser's
battle with the wildcats
"Why, Timson," said the doctor in a slow,
measured tone, q heard you didn't want
him. You sent him back to me. don't
care to give him away again, but my wife
says she can't keep more than three dogs
about, so I'd like you to board him for me.
lie may carry on such business for you as
you and he agree upon, among the Wild
cats and | shan't say anything about that
four months bill as long as you keep him.
When you get tired Of him, or he dies, you
can pay me-"
You may be sure Rouser was well-fed
aud housed, and treated with honor after
that-not only for his own good services
but also 10 put off, by this Treatment, the
payment of the long-dreaded " doctors bill"
Burke had now the Joy Of his heart full
filled he had " something live to love him"
and companion in the field, the woods
and the road; and one was never seen
without the other, except at church. Burke
had trained Rouser 10 stay at home and
watch the poultry ON Sunday, while all the
family were at service Iouks Companion.