Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-06-29

In answer, there was presently a rust
lug amid the elder bushes, and forth
stepped, not the culprit Rolla, but hand
some young man, equipped with gun
and bird-bag.
Kitty sprang up. Each stared for an
instant at the other, then the gentleman,
gracefully lifting his cap, said:
"May inquire, Miss, what you want
with me?"
"Want with you:" repeated she, in
surprise.
"Yes; / was crossing the field yonder,'
when | heard you call me-" he replied,
with slightly demure expression about
his mouth and eyes
"Icalled you:" said Kitty, Indignantly.
"Yes, you called Rolia, very distinct
ly," replied he, biting the corner Of his
moustache, "and l, Of course, obcyed
the summons, and am at your service.
My name is Roland, or Rolla, as l am
familiarly called"
Kitty surveyed him from head to foot.
"Oh," said she coolly, at is q mis-
take on your part! 1T was not you, but
the other puppy l was calling. HIS
name is also Rolla."
Indeed! where is he." inquired the
gentleman, looking around with . great
expression Of interest.
"He's run away from me-"
81 wonder at him. In fact, l really
don't see how he could have done it"
said he, looking at Kitty, and slowly
stroking his moustache.
She drew herself up with great as
sumption Of dignity.
"If you try, sir, you viii find how it
can be DONE" said she loftily.
"And if | don't want to try"
"Then the other puppy must make you.
Here he is, just in time. Here, Rolla,
good dog. HI, at him, SIR
And Kitty clapped her white hands to-
gether, and tried to whistle, as she had
seen her papa do, to the great amuse-
ment Of the gentleman.
But instead of gallantly rushing to the
stack, at command Of his mistress,
Rolla frisked up to the stranger with ex-
travagant demonstrations Of delight.
"Oh, he knows you" said Kitty, con-
temp,uously. land so you didn't run"
"Yes, Rolla knows his friends. In
fact, he's my namesake-an honor con-
fered upon me by the admiring partiality
of Farmer Hawes."
ale belongs to me, now, and mean
70 change his name" said Kitty, positive
i ly.
"Pray don't You have no idea Of
how musically it sounded across the field.
| fancied some wood nymph-or dyad-
was calling to me. Belongs to you now.
does he, Happy dog" And he stoop.
ed and patted Rolla's head.
Kitty turned sharply.
care you going away, sir, or shall | :"
she demanded.
"Oh, would not for the world incom-
mode you. And l beg you to remember
that came only because I fancied you
were calling me, having probably seen
me passing. l saw you from the bank
above. Pray excuse the mistake, and
allow me to wish you good evening"
And. with courteous bow, he disap-
peared among the bushes.
Kitty stood looking Indignantly after
him until he disappeared.
1.-The impudent puppy" she murmur-
ed. never heard of such assurance.
And then slow smile rippled over her
face, which she remorsely checked BY bit.
ing the corner of her red under lip.
"Come, Rolla," she called, in a sub
dued voice, "come. sir. and 60 home
and see how you get me into scrapes
again.
She climed the bank into the meadow,
the dog following with q detected and
culprit-like mien. But suddenly he
gave . short, sharp bark and at the same
moment another and stranger sound
smote upon Kitty's ear. 1t was low,
hoarse, sobbing murmur, which seemed
To swell into an angry roar.
"If were in Africa, should fancy
that lions roar!" thought Kitty curious
ly, looking around.
In an instant her cheek became DEATH
ly pale, and she stood breathless and
transfxed, as hugh animal, with low
cred head and eyes cleaning through
shaggy forelocks, emerged from thicket
some distance, and came slowly towards
her, tearing up the earth with hoofs and
horns.
Rolla, after burst Of obstreperous