The Bossier banner., 1891-09-10

"o@uCy' anu the youngest SwellS hero.
abouts and from New York have been
prostrating themselves at her feet for
the last year"
Here the subject dropped, but the
doctors interest in Rex was not less.
ened, while there was added to it very
natural curiosity to know more about
the beautiful girl.
When he got home that night he said
to his mother:
Il have found Rex
''Where?" she cried.
''Over at Irvington"
Sand why did you not bring him
back with you?'
well, he seems very happy where he
u.s." laughed the doctor
And then he went on and told all he
had learned.
He was not surprised that his mother
should show more interest in the dog
than in the young lady; but, as he had
unboundcd faith in her tact and judg-
ment, he said:
THAT is the case, mother Now, if
you were in my place what would you
do?'
"Do?" repeated Mrs. Mansfield.
''Why, I should go and demand my
property, no matter how young and
rich and pretty the person was in whose
| possession knew it to be-
''Your advice accords with my own
opinion said the doctor, land l shall
act on it tomorrow afternoon"
The next afternoon he drove over
to Irvington again, and, leaving his
horse at his friends, he walked up to
Bellaire.
| He asked the footman who answered
his ring if Mr.. Masters was in, and
receiving reply in the affirmative, he
said:
''Please take him my card and say
shall detain him only few minutes. :"
He was ushered into the reception
room, and within a few minutes a
rugged. gray haired man put in an ap-
pearance and announced himself as
"Mr. Masters"
II come on delicate errand, Mr..
Masters" said the doctor, with the
ceiling of a man eager to be soon
| through with an unpleasant duty.
"About two months ago lost valu-
able ST. Bernard, which l brought
home with me on my return from
Europe last fall. Yesterday, in passing
your place, was very sure l saw the
animal, and l reasoned that, if you
owned him, you must have obtained
him from some person who did not"
There is certainly such dog as you
speak of here" said Mr. Masters, ''but
he was given to my daughter, who is
much attached to the splendid creature,
by young gentleman from Fair View,
who is a frequent visitor here. ,"
Then the old gentleman rose and
went hurriedly out, returning in a
short time with the young lady, who
seemed to the doctor even more beauti-
full than when he had seen her on the
street.
Mr. Masters introduced the doctor to
his daughter, and Immediately told the
object of his visit.
"The dog could not have been
stolen, said the blushing girl; ''fcr Mr..
Harry Collins gave him to me, and said
he had himself imported him for that
purpose"
The doctor knew that Harry Collins
was worthless scapegrace and his own
lifelong enemy.
1T is quite possible that I have been
mistaken" said the doctor, somewhat
confused, but now more sure of his
ground than ever, for Collins was his
next neighbor; ''but if you will kindly
let me see the dog, / can tell"
Laura went into the hall, and, in re-
Spouse to her musical call the splendid
creature came bounding il and began
to fawn upon her, and to lick her dainty
hands.
But in an instant he became aware OF
another presence.
"Rex!" said the doctor.
With bark of joy the noble brute
rushed at his master, and, putting both
paws on his shoulder, began to lick his
face as if crazed with delight.
Then, when he had satisfied Mr.. Mas
ters and his daughter that he had found
his rightful master, he ran first to one
and then to the other of them as il
eager to show that they held second
place in his canine heart.
''You are certainly right, DR.. Mans
6eld," said the old gentleman, ''the
dog is yours, and cannot retain him. .
On hearing this, tears filed Laura's
beautiful eyes. and she turned away to
hide her grief.
The doctor saw her emotion, and with
a gallant bow, he said;
"Pardon me, Miss Masters, but Rex
seems happy here. The fear that the
fine fellow had fallen into unkind
hands annoyed me, but now that
know he will be we'll cared for, l beg you
to accept him with my compliments.
ITO make long story short as the
old-fashioned story tellers have it, Lau'
ra Masters, with her fathers consent,
became the undisputed owner of Rex.
| When the doctor left that evening
Mr.. Masters gave him pressing invi
tation to call again, ito see us as well
as the dog" he said. in conclusion.
From that day on Harry Collins never
.-;e;4o3 PaIla;,a op1 aS zA0n aS IL he.