Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-15
The Old Maids Cat.
BY II. A.

another volley."
A large tortoise shell cat fled in ter
ror OF her life up one street and down
another, pursued by three or four
boys, whose love for sport had steeled
their hearts TO compassion. Otherwise.
the evident terror of the poor hunted
animal would restrain them. But boys
are thoughtless, and they were led by
one who was more than thoughtless
John Hodges, the Oldest of the pur-
suing party, had II bad reputation in
the village as frequent truant and
reckless idler
A volley of stones was thrown. One
of the missiles hit the poor animal
and famed her somewhat. Still
she ran ON, in wild terror, limping as
she ran.
Isn't that enough said one of
the younger boys, holding back. I'VE
don't want to kill the cat"
Pooh, Tom sneered John Hodges.
You havn't turned sentimental? No
danger of killing the cat. Didn't you
ever hear they have niue lives?"
Tom was silent.
$50 | say here's for another vol
ley"
The cat had by this time clambered
up tree, and was crouching on one Of
the upper branches, fancying perhaps,
that she was safe. But in this she Vas
mistaken. The boys, led ON by John
l.. no, al
ley, when IA neatly-dressed boy, OF per-
haps fourteen, came up the street.
What are you doing, boys?"
asked Sidney Waite, for that was his
name.
We're only hunting cat" said
John Hodges, carelessly. Wont you
join us? Look, there she is, perched
up on the highest left-hand limb. Looks
about frightened to death Come, Sid
ney, just pickup IA stone and then we'll
all fire together. Whoever hits her is
the best fellow"
stop "a minute" said Sidney, ~
want TO ask you question.
well, heave ahead
What harm has the cat done you?"
What harm? That's IA queer ques-
ton. She hasn't done any that ] know
Of"
Then what are you hunting her for?"
inquired Sidney.
What should we hunt her for? For
fun, of course"
do you suppose it is any fun to
her?n
well, / guess she'd find it fun if we
hit her"
do you think you shall feel any bet
ter if you succeed in hitting her?n
"Oh, you're preaching. II that's all
you can do, just 60 along and leave MS
alone. We amt responsible to you, as
know Of"
Il won't have anything to do with it,
anyway" said Tom, who had spoken
before, throwing down his stone.
"Oh, well, sneered John Hodges,
''if you've been converted under the
preaching of the Rev. Sidney Waite,
we'll excuse you. We can get along
] guess"
The other boys were half-ashamed Of
the business they were engaged in, and
would have thrown down their stones,
but that they stood in some dread of
the sarcastic tongue of John Hodges.
There is nothing so much dreaded by
the young as ridicule.
You may call me what you please, y"
said Sidney, composedly, for he had too
much self-respect to be moved from n
good purpose by the rudeness of an
other. Il hope one needn't be a clergy
man TO have some particle of humanity
about him."
DO you mean To insinuate that
have none?n asked Hodges, fiercely.
Judging from appearances, should
say you had but very little"
John Hodges was bully, and il Sid
ney had spoken less firmly would have
attempted to bully him. As it was, he
contented himself with saying:
I've got an account TO settle with
you, Sidney Waite, and I'll do il some
time, you may be sure of that. I'm go
ing TO stone that cat, and you may stand
| preaching there all day, and that'll be
all the good it'll do. say, boys, get
your stones ready What, have you
thrown them down? Ali been convert
ed? Well. thank goodness. amt such
"a coward"
He 20 preparing to throw "a stone,
when Sidney Waite stepped up to him.
Throw that stone at your peril,
John Hodges
What shrieked John, in surprise
and fury.
IL say you shan't throw that stone. '
whats TO prevent me, Id like tC
know" SAID John, holding his arm:
akimbo and looking defiant
IL will try"
you will, oh! And what'll be tn,
consequence if / throw it. young jacka
nape2"
"I'll throw you If can"
III Won can. That's well put in
Well, III give you chance TO try"
And me threw the stone. though suct
was his anger that his aim was spoiled
and the stone did not come within roc
y 81 hitting the terrified mark.
A moment afterwards and he stag