The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-12-09
CARLOS BAD HABIT.

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"Yes, I'll give you ten dollars for
him if you'll break him of that trick"
IF could, l wouldn't want to sell
him." said Jack. Hes the best watch
dog in the country"
"Thats what want him for"
Its the only trick he's got" said
Jack, patting the head of the dog,
which looked up with eyes human in
expression, wagging his tail at the
caress; then hung his head in shame as
Jack went on. "Ah, you scamp, how
dare you chase the cattle! But you,"
he said to Mr. Hardy, shave so little
stock, thought you might get along
with him."
Little or many, you don't want a
dog tearing after 'em."
mo, you don't" said Jack, much de-
pressed. "I've tried every way to cure
him. whip him, and tie him up See;
he breaks away, pointing to fragment
of chain which hung to Carlos collar.
"But you can't keep dog tied all the
time. And when you whip him, he
doesn't know what it's for"
"That's So" said Jack. ITS too
bad!"
Mr.. Hardy walked across the field in
the direction of his own farm. while
Jack wandered towards the house,
turning over in his mind many projects
possible or impossible for the breaking
of his favorite dog of the most objec-
tionable practice of running after the
fine livestock upon his fathers farm.
1t was in the pure frolicsomeness OF
immature doghood that Carlo would
make a sudden rush upon some fine
animal, and, with loud. banks and
growls, chase it madly through the
meadow and the adjoining strip OF
woods, very often driving it to the verge
of frenzy by Selling and holding on to
| its tail.
1t was early in one Of the long sum-
mer evenings, and as Jack walked up
the driveway he perceived that most Of
the family were seated on side porch.
"Mr. Hardy doesn't want Carlo" he
said, addressing the company in gener-
al 'unless he can be broken of running
after cattle"
well, I'm afraid, said Jacks father,
shat the only cure for that will be a
dose of cold steel"
"Where is he now?" asked Hiram,
Jacks brother
"He was with me few moments
ago." said Jack, looking around. 81
don't know where he is. l meant to
bring him up and tie him."
''Hark!" said his father.
A succession of sharp banks followed
by the bellows of worried animal
smote upon the quiet ear.
"That's him now!" exclaimed Jack,
springing to his feet in dismay.
After one of those young steers"
said his brother.
Over the meadow the sounds came
clearly. Jack struck out on lively
run, his brother following, while his
father, with an expression of great ir-
ritation on his face, brought up slow
err rear
''Get out, there! Quit, you rascal
or-I'll-blow your brains-out," cried
Jack, as he painted on. striving to get
near the scene Of the trouble, although
it had never as yet been any use to call
Carlo when he was once in pursuit Of
his favorite amusement.
Arriving at the edge of the woods,
Jack stopped minute to get his direc.
ton clear, and at once perceived vari-
alton upon the sounds usually attend
ing Carlos diversion. The occasional
below. choled and gasping through
violent exercise, was easily heard, but
mingled with it was the voice Of the
dog, not in short barks of triumph,
amusement, or mischief, but in loud
yelps and bowls, plainly expressive of
pain, fright and dismay.
They were approaching. Jack ran to
where he could secure view, and then
stood in open-mouthed wonder.
Was it boy hunting bear or bear hunt
ing boy?
There came the steer, wild-eyed and
painting in efforts to escape from the
enemy. After it came Carlo, but not
this time in malicious pursuit, with the
tail of the poor beast between his
teeth. F t
The broken chain had become firmly
entangled in the mass of burdock mat
ted in the hair at the end of the steers
tail. and Carlo was being dragged help
less. Over logs, against trees, through
bushes, the steer still, in its fright, be-
lieving itself pursued.
''Hullo! Stop" shrieked Jack, trying
with both arms extended TO stop the
steer. But it turned aside, Carlo giving
yelp of added agony as he was jerked
between some close-growing saplings
stop him." screamed Jack to Hiram.
Head him off! He's. yanking Carlo
round on his tail, and thrashing the
woods with him. He'll be killedr'
BY the efforts of both boys and their
father the steer was headed toward a
corner of the woods, where it was
hoped he might be stopped. But with
one bound he cleared brush fence,
Jacks eyes at the moment dimming
with tears as he saw Carlo dragged
over it.
Into the lane, Hir he contrived to
gasp. Others were now joining in the
chase, and the steer was finally stopped
in a narrow lane.