The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-09-13

turn right around and 60 back, for we
can get rid of him in any other way"
and in no amiable frame of mind they
turned their horses head hOmeward
Even Hattie's amiability was ruff1ed
somewhat, and the picnic was begin
ming to lose its promised charms.
When poor Mrs. Thompson appeared
at the gate in obedience to Annie's
calls of distress the cause of their re-
turn was made known in no gentle
terms.
Il wish you'd see to him yourself
this time, mamma" was Annie's un-
gracious word of parting as they once
more drove away.
'Why, it's only half-past eight"
said Hattie, looking at her watch
I'VE needn't have been in such
straight to be off. -
''ls that all? Well. wish I hadn't
been quite so cross to mamma, but |
was sure we were going to be ever so
late, and she did make me so nervous
with her talk about vi. Just see how
beautifully he trots along. Oh. what
wouldn't | give if we only had horse
like that instead of that poky old
thing we have to driver
II wish you had. for there's so
much pleasure in getting over the
ground in this style. Suppose we 60
through the new cemetery. The work
men are all gone to-day, and it's
lovely place
''Yes, I'd like to drive tn rough it so
long as it is on our way. But great
Scotland! will you believe your eyes?
If here isn't that everlasting dog
again!" and even as Annie said the
words. the irrepressible Dot rushed
past them. painting furiously and
covered with thick ove"coat OF dust
This is certainly more than can
stand" cried Annie, in real temper
at last. Hes got to go back, and
we're not going to take him either.
Here. give me the whip"
why, what are you going to do?"
for Armies face was white with anger
do? I'm going to send him back.
What do you suppose?" and the next
moment she sprang lightly to the
ground.
go home, 60 home, you rascal.
Go home, say" but the offender did
not go home as expected, or even
move foot in that direction, for at
sight of the figure towering above
him. brandishing its cruel weapon on
high and uttering its commands in
the voice of an avenger, the abject
little creature seemed to be stricken
with the palsy, and only shrank into
half his natural size, at the same time
gathering himself into limp heap
and crouching close to the earth
Once, twice, thrice was the command
given, the only effect being to still
further decrease the size of the dog
The sight became so comical at last
that Hattie burst out laughing, while
Dot taking courage. wagged his
frightened little tail, and peace was
restored.
There's no use in trying to resist
fate any longer, suppose. remarked
Annie, smiling family, as she lowered
her suspended whip. Its too late to
go back. and we've got to take the
dirty little fellow to the picnic, and,
what's more, right in the carriage
with us, for if we should happen to
meet a large dog. or even a good
sized cat, he'd be devoured before our
very eyes. There, my dress is about
as much soiled as it can be already,
so 1 might as we'll finish it, so here
goes" and, with much coaxing and
considerable dragging, Dot was
hoisted up In front and made to lie
down. All veXation, however, was
soon forgotten in the flowery beauties
of the road along which they passed;
and when they drove through Mount
Hopes massive gateway. and gazed
Off upon the lovely green slopes of
that silent city waiting for its dead.
the little troubles of life seemed to
be lost in the quiet reverie that fell
upon both.
This is a strange prelude to our
picnic" remarked Annie, breaking
the silence.
care you afraid? Well, / shall
only drive through the grounds. !
want to show you some of the beau
ties OF the place Those chimneys.
rising from the ground, mark the
place of the public vault. built into
the side of the hill. and a little fur
Their down--over there. you SEES
the station. built of white marble. in
the exact style of a Greek temple.
What lovely sheet of water that is
in front of it, and do you see that
boat just ready for row? But think
of coming to such a place for pleas
ure!'
Il kind of wish we hadn't come. It
seems sort of pokerish."
"It doesn't impress me that way &C
all 1t seems only like a beautiful
park, because no one is buried here
yet"
And now, ascending Observatory
Hill. they entered a long. shaded
avenue, so dark and silent that each
instinctively held her breath with
fear and awe.
s.Isn't it beautiful? But don't let US
linger any longer than is necessary"
whispered Annie. as she chung to
Hattie's arm. s.Oh! what was that?"
Il heard nothing.
There it is again. Oh, do drive on
fseter!' fer just then = cracking