The morning call., 1892-12-25
READING POETRY TO COYOTES.

conclusion that they existed only in the i'm
agiB alton Of his host The case puzzled
the doctor greatly, and after he had retired
he lay awake several hours pondering
over IT,
Just about daybreak he was awakened by
stealthy footsteps, apparently those Of some
small animal, on the porch. 1t did not
sound like dog, and yet 10 appeared 10 be
perfectly al home and did not seem 10 fear
molestatiOn. While the doctor was trying
70 figure out 10 his mind the kind of animal
that was disturbing him, IL was joined by
others, and they seemed to be going through
\ sort Of drill. =
He could hear them walking up and down
the porch like restless spirits, their velveIy
feet making only sort of soft rustling
sound. There seemed TO be hundreds Of
them, and the doctor feared the house was
being surrounded by wild animals and
began TO think OF means of escape.
He finally mustered up courage to get out
of bed and look through the window blinds.
His worst fears were realized: large pack
of coyotes had possession of the yard and
were all over the porch. restlessy pacing
to and fro. They did not seem TO be making
any attempt to get into the house. but no
doubt they were waiting for the inmates TO
come out, when they could be deyoured at
leisure. The doctors hair stood on end
and he tTembled with fear. as the beasts
looked hungry and desperate. They con-
tinued their stealthy walk, never touching
one another. When one was in the others
way there was q graceful, easy Jump and
the walk continued as before.
The doctor wondered why his host did
not wake up ana come to his assistance. as
1t did not seem possible for a person to sleep
with those animals walking around the
house. He finally ran to his hosts room
and begged him to get gun and shoot
few Of the invaders for the rest TO eat, so
they would satisfy their appetites and
leave.
His proposition evidently displeased the
old man, for, drawing himself up, he said !:
XIII those gentle ereatures?-they are my
pets"
The doctor had still grave fears Of the
mans sanity, and made up his mind to have
him put In an asylum at once If be ever
escaped alive. 1t was terrible position
alone with a mailman In house surrounded
by hundreds Of hungry coyotes.
"But you must do something" he said to
his hosts. ''or We will be eaten alive"
81 will do something" replied John. 81
viii 20 out and talk to my pets. who can
appreciate what say to Them"
All this time he was dressing, and when
he had finished he walked to the back door
and attempted to open 1t, but the doctor
tried 70 hold it shut.
This was the signal to the animals on tie
outside and they commenced TO yelp and
scratch at the door They climbed over
enc another IN their eagerness. and soon
there was wriggling pile of yelping ami
mails In front of the door
Old John did not like TO be interfered
With. and soon few into a passion and
threw the doctor to the floor. The medical
was useless to interfere with tie mndman,
30 he ran into his own room and closed and
bolted the door, resolved TO sell his life as
dearly as possible.
He waited a moment while the yelping
continued and then mustered up courage 10
VIII do ttar
TO see bis patient torn to pieces.
But his fear gave place to surprise that
held him sDellbnund. Old John was quietly
walking around while the animals jumped
on him delightedly. licking his hand "a if he
was their best friend.
The doctor then remembered having
read OF the strange sympathy that is said to
exist between insane people and the lower
animals, and 1t seemed strange that he had
never thought of 1t before.
While he was watching through the win
dow not daring to 60 out himself. he saw
Old John take book from his pocket, and,
sitting down on an old butter-keR. COM
mencc to read poem. The coyotes at once
became quiet and stretched themselves Into
comfortable positions, appearing to be list
never moved from the position they took al
hrst, and old Johns reading was so ex.
eeIleDt that the doctor became interested.
When john had finished he went to his
kitchen, ell the coyotes following close 10
bis heels, and got a wash basin that was
6lled with small pieces of dried meat
There was not mere than an ounce In each
piece. but when 1t was thrown out the ami.
mails each took one and carried It away.
BY this time the doctor thought he would
90 out and ask for an explanation. Ht
opened the door and went on the porch
The coyotes looked at him a moment ano
then disappeared like magic. The ground
appeared to have swallowed them W, and
John was SO angry that he would give nc
explanation and ordered the doctor out O.
the house. WILL SPARKS.