Thomas County cat., 1889-08-29

~7 7<Z/
DOT PURSUED THEM AT BREAK-NECK
| neighbors have threatened to kill
him, and sometimes l wish they
| would"
"Ha! ha! Speak of the angels and
they're sure to appear" cried Hattie
at that moment. for looking around
she had discovered Dot pursuing them
at break-neck pace, and gaining upon
them each moment
What shall we do? Well have to
turn right around and go back. for we
can't 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 ruffled
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.
81 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.
| .yV al,ff h n
straight to be of. >"
"ls that all? Well. wish hadn't
been quite so cross to mamma, but l
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 I 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 go
through the new cemetery. The work.
men are all gone to-day, and it's a
lovely place"
"Yes. I'd like to dr. i've through 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 1 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 Annie's 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, l say" but the offender did
not go home as expected, or even
move a 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 a 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 bis
| 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 large dog. or even 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 I 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 howery beauties
Of the road along which they passed;
and when they drove through Mount
Hopes massive gateway. and gazed
OF upon the lovely green slopes Of
that silent city waiting for its dead.
The little troubles Of life seemed to