Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-10-27
A Kittens Perple4ity.

A pet kitten, owned by some children
in a house on North Green Street, came
to grief yesterday, very much after the
manner of the legendary dog, which
seeing the reflection of itself and the
bone which it carried in a brook, drop
ped and lest the actual in a greedy
effort to secure the possession of an inn
aginary morsel. It was the proverbial
curiosity of the cat added to an unusual
beligerence that sealed the downfall of
the kitten in question. Its owners had
been playing with it, and to elude n
of them the kitten jumped up on a
dresser, opposite to which was 9 large
mirror. Its own image was reflected,
seeing which it manifested great delight
at meeting what it doubtless supposed
to be an actual member of its own
species and not merely a representation.
Purring softly, it stood for a moment
looking intently at the shadow. Then, as
if pleased withthe appearance of a new
found brother, and DESTROYS of entering
upon more intimate relations, it strutted
about, seemingly trying by various ma
neuvres to attract the greater attention
to points upon which in its %superlative
vanity it considered nearest to feline
perfection. Noticing that its SUPPOSE
tious acquaintance conducted itself in .
similar manner, the kitten must have
come to the conclusion that the desired
friendship might be established without
difficulty, for at this juncture it advanced
with a kind of I-know-I 'm-handsome-
but-I-can't-help-it way, and tried to rub
the side of its head against its COM
| rade. The contact with the glass had
instantly a marked effect. The kitten
sprang back quickly, arched its back,
raised its tail stifiy, extended its claws.
and emitted q long-drawn howl express
i've of astonishment, fear, wounded
vanity, contempt and anger. But after
watching the mirror closely it became
convinced that its mythical opponents
was q timid, unmartial creature, deserv-
ing of castigation for conducting itself
so cowardly. AS confidence in its own
proves increased and its fear dimin-
ished, it was not long in making an
attack. Kissing savagely, it raised its
paw and struck at the head in the glass.
Again it showed astonishment. 1t
glared at the mirror and mewed; then
gyrated around as if uncertain as to the
future. Finally it sprang from the dress
er with both front feet extended and
mouth open, and struck squarely in the
head its reflection in the glass.
This last abortive effort at battle was
moro than the kittens spirit. could
stand, and thoroughly frightened at the
strangeness of its reception and hope
less Of ultimate success, it hung its
head, lowered its tail, and, trembling
in every limb, withdrew from the
room. Ten minutes later the dainty
kitten, for which the softest bed had been
scarce soft enough, was found crouching
TREMENDOUSLY in the coal bin, its fur ruff
fed and blackened and its beauty
spoiled. When brought into the room
containing the mirror, it repeatedly
ran out as fast as its legs could carry it,
never once looking at the glass, but
showing in every motion its extreme
terror. It refused to be carressed by
the children with whom it formerly
played, and exhibited an inclination for
repose in the quietude and gloom in
cellar corners Late in the afternoon
it timidly walked of its own accord up
to the dresser and peered sadly into the
glass, then slowly turned and left the
room, once again seeking the solitude
of the cellar. During the remainder of
the day it kept away from the living
rooms of the house, and when taken its
usual meal of bread and milk it. left the
dish untasted. The shock to the kitten
has had altogether such bad effects that
its little playmates manifest much con.
Germ lest its queerness be the precursor
Ct it's death, and additional testimony
thus be given of the plausible PROPOSE.
ton that curiosity killed acat.-CAscogc
Times.