The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1880-07-29
INTELLIGENT PETS.

Here is a true story of cat, which
may interest your small readers. The
incident occurred in Wyoming, Mimi,
In the year 1860 Ca long while ago, to
be sure, but none the less touching, for
all that), and in the family of a Mr..
Lukins.
1t was my custom to drive some dis
lance each day for the mail, and at one
time, noticing the approach of thun-
der-shoWer, stopped at the house of a
neighbor until the shower should be
over. The lady made me welcome, but
was filled with anxiety in regard to her
children, two mere babies, who had
been at play near by and were now not
to be found. The father started to look
for the little ones, but as they were not
in the barn and didn't answer his call,
he grew very much alarmed and hur-
ried in another direction. On the way
he was met by the cat, a great, noble
fellow, who considered himself a men,
Der of the family. The animal ran up
to his master, seemingly anxious to be
petted and noticed, but as no attention
was paid to him he ran off, while the
gentleman continued his search.
Presently the cat appeared again.
This time in such earnest and in such
evident distress that the gentleman S
attention was attracted, at last; and
he followed the animal into what was
known as the "Tamarack Swamp"
near by Puss ran quickly to deep
pool OF water, whittier the distracted
father followed; and there were his
two darlings, lying unconscious and, in
deed, near to death, while on the edge
OF the pool stood the cat, mewing pit
eously.
1t was only the work of moment to
lift the children from the water. and.
with one on each arm, the poor father
fastened home, the faithful old cat fol-
lowing at his heels. The mother was
Tor time unable to assist in the resto-
ration OF her little ones, so great was
her grief; but the father and / warmed
blankets and rubbed the poor, insensi-
BILE babies, until at last, consciousness
returned.
After the storm was over. and iov
had come with the returning sunshine
to the hearts of the parents, as the chill
dren were, finally, quite restored, | left
my friends and continued on my way to
the post-office.
The good and wise old cat for MANY
years lived a favored life and was to the
end a favorite member Of the family.
10 the above incident may be added
an anecdote of a pet dog belonging to a
family in Stratford, Conn. 1t was only
recently told me; but doggie is dead
now, and it is full five years since his
gambols were over forever. He be-
longed to Mrs. Laceys family, and
was as interested in all childish games
as the children themsel res. But his
tavorite sport was that of s.hide and
seek, and one day, as the little folks
were having game amongst the trees.
old Leo decided to join them, and.
awaiting his turn, presently took his
station behind tree, raised himself on
his hind legs and stuck his nose be-
tween his fore paws. peeDing first on
one side, then the other of the tree, Just
as the children did, to see if he were be-
ing spied. and evidently enjoying the fun
highly. 1t was very funny also to see
him search for the children. as each in
turn hid from his or her fellow; and. in
TACT none of the girls or boys appreci-
ated good frolic more than old Leo
himself.
Two winters ago, in Henry street,
Brooklyn, l.. l., a relative of mine saw
large Newfoundland dog, the pet of
one OF group OF boys who were sliding
on some ice on the sidewalk, actually
take his turn, and, following the BOYS
example. run some distance, and then.
setting his four feet firmly together,
slide over the ice as nicely as any boy of
them all But cannot encroach UPON
further space, SO must bring my ac-
counts OF pets and their intelligence to
an end. -Liszy Garter, in N. 7. hide
pendent.