The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-06-11
BEGGAR'S TOOTHACHE,

How Papa Lyon Relieved the Pet or tho
Household Of an Annoying Tooth.
When ''Bcggar" was handsome.
playful, plump two-months-old Maltese
kitten, he was given to Eda Lyon, who
carefully packed him in an airy, we'll
ventilated basket and took him into the
parlor car. For the first few hours az
ter his young mistress was comfortably
settled in her chair. kitty '.yowled" and
growlcd disagrecably: but finding that
no one needed his lamentations, he
finally dropped into sweet cat sleep.
After twenty-four hours journey he
was released from his prison and intro
duccd to the Lyon family, consisting OF
half dozen boys and girls, with papa
and mamma Lyon, who had just break
tasted in their cosy, sunny dining room.
Kitty looked about deliberately for a
few moments into the strange faces.
lies choosing his favorite," said Dick,
gravely.
.'Oh, do hope he'll choose me-" re-
piled Blue Eyes. the six year-old lassie.
But kitty did not take to the young
ster." Witha graceful bound he lcaped
into Papa Lyons lap, and began to purr
coaxingly.
''Oh. papa, kitty likes you best" cho-
ruscd the little people.
Sensible pussy" said papa, laugh
ingly. Pussy did like Mr.. Lyon. and
displayed his affection by lavishing
upon him every cat-like Establishment
he was master Of.
There was trouble in finding name
for this velvet coated. graceful pussy.
None of the names suggested seemed
to fit him. Finally Papa Lyon settled
the question. after hearing mamma
call out one morning, while pounding
the breakfast bcefsteak:
'You are an inccssant beggar"
"Beggar' was pussy's name there
after, and he soon answered readily to
a call for 'Bcggar," fortunately in
blissful ignorance that his title wasn't
at all complimentary to him.
lie grew fast and attained weight
of fifteen pounds. Upon becoming
portly he did not lose his playful ways.
1t really did seem grotesque when Beg
gar. wildly excited with game OF
romps with the boys. essayed to nimbly
Jump about or use his ponderous paws
in the old-time kittenish manner.
For year or more, Beggar's life was
play day, and he remained the pet
and favorite, though not nearly SO
meek and patient as Tabby Velvet
Toes, the excellent mouscr but very
''homely" puss and dull in manner.
One morning Beggar evaded the at.
tention Of every member of the family.
After breakfast nice bone was given
him on his plate, and shortly after a
series of dismal ''yeow-w-w's," varied
by angry ''s-s-s-s-s's" and misses, dis
turbed the family peace. During the
day Bcggar continued his strange con-
duct.
II really shall be obliged to kill the
poor eat II he continues to act in this
way. He must be going mad" said pa.
pa at tea time.
Papa" said Dick, 81 fink mis- tooth
aches lie puts his paws to his mouth -
Mr.. Lyon got the chloroform bottle.
poured few drops upon a handker,
chief, held it near seggar until poor
pussy was quiet enough to be handled,
then looked into his mouth.
A tooth had been loosened from his
jaw and the gum about it was much in
famed. Mr.. Lyon hastily removed the
tooth, and Beggar was soon himself
again.
Cats have been accused of having no
affection or gratitude, but Beggar
seemed to appreciate the kind treatment
bestowed upon him by the Lyon family,
and never formed the habit of ''snoop-
ing into eatables within his reach or
stealing food.
There are few dumb animals that can
not be won with kindness, though. just
as in the human race. they differ widely
in disposition and degree of intelligence.
Ella Guernsey, in Prairie Farmer.