The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-09-28
Catch as Catch Can.
Alta CalIiorniA.

Alta California
 The following disastrious and ludicrous incidents occurred in this city c few days ago: A we'll known gentleman and his wife, who have no little prattlng cherubs to lay claim to their affections In their costly mansion in the Western Addition cen tered their affections in thoroughbred bull terrier On c fine afternoon lately they started out for a walk, taking with them the aforesaid terrier. On the return homeward they stepped into a promi- nent grocery store on Market street, near Sixth. The dog trotted in after, but he did not observe a large cat, which was quietly reposing upon . box of eggs Fuss had one eye on him. though, and as soon as he was close enough gave him clip on the ear with her paw, which made his ear sting. Not sppreciating such familiarity he made for that cat and in an instant there was terrific commotion in that box of eggs.
 The box was the arena of dog, cat fur, blood and eggs, while the air filled with squalls growls and yeps from the infuriated combatants The owners of the two animals in vain tried to separate them. In few minutes poor puss was placed hOrs dU combat, and she lay quietly in her shroud of eggs while the dog emerged, looking If he had swam through floating island"
 The groceryman was for killing him instanter, but his owner demurred, and a settlement was finally effected upon payment of eight dollars for the damage done. Having squared matters, the gentleman picked us his bull terrier and hsstened home. When he arrived at the family mansion he, too, was sight to behold, for his new seventy dollar suit of clothes was covered with egg, hair and blood-completey ruined. His wife laughed when she beheld him, and this aDgered him SO that he determined to get rid of the dog. His wife would consent to this only on condition that she should have a black and tan terrier In Its place.
 Next day the gentleman found person who had just what he desired. An exchange was effected, and he carried his acquisition home in triumph. His wife was delighted with 1t. Then she won dered whether the acquisition & good r&tter. Her husband did not know, but said he would find out. on he posted and secured rat which had been caught in trap in a down town store, and put him in a cigar box. Boring few holes in the lid to give the rodent a little air, he tucked 1t under his arm and started for home. On the way he met his better half and they decided to dine at a restaurant so they repaired to popu- lar Post street establishment not far from Kearny street. seated themselves in the ladies' department, and proceeded to enjoy their meal.
 In the meantime the restaurant filled up rapidly, and among the rest was & gay party of picnickers who hsd just returned from across the bay, and their antics diverted the attention of the gen. tleman that he forgot his cigar box when he and his wife departed. He had put 1t under the table, where an eagle eyed waiter espied 1t and brought it forth in double quick time and thinking he had fine box of cigars, pried open the lid with case knife when out dropped MT. Rat The waiter dropped the box and gave yell that startled the patrons and the rat under the chairs and tables creating a scene among those pcnickers which beg gars description.
 The females screamed and jumped on to the tables, regardless of cups dishes, and smash was the order of the moment, and then all hands made break for the street. In the meantime the gen. teman, having noticed his loss returned to obtain his cigar box and rat but glance at the situa- ton satisfied him that he had better not make him. self too familiar around there the rate proprie tor was storming and raving and wondering who was going to pay him for the smashing up of fifty or sixty dollars worth of crockery and furniture, and for meals of those who, in their hurried de- parture, had unconsciously omitted to settle.