New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-24


looked at her in establishment SO did Hotspur
master who whsted one par OF o"a'''''e
Sammy" In ure amazement.
IT declare. wealthy he exclaimed. Il hope
you know what Is the matter with you; but
can't guess"
you've got 10 kill Hotspur" burst out the
girl.
Dick did not whistle any more He stared al
his sister.
Then he extended his hand and snapped his
fingers at Hotspur. who Immediately walked up
close to him and stood. The boy looked down at
him and then flung up his head as II to say ne
would dare anybody to touch that dog.
His sister continued to cry. as II she could
not stop.
IT wish you'd cut that" exclaimed Dick. impa-
tiently.
Wealthy evidently struggled with herself.
She turned about. trying TO look off down the
hill Her blurred eyes saw below her the coz
Portable farmhouse where she and DICK were
born and had always lived. She saw the deep
stream which was called Sandy River fowing
through the meadow to the left of the house.
and beyond It there was visible the top OF the
roof OF the town poorhouse.
Poor Wealthy put forth her best EFFORTS 10
think OF the objects she saw and thus distract
her thoughts from the subject that filled ner
mind and made her eyes overflow.
II hope you'll tell me what you mean as soon
as YOU can" said Dick after moment, speak
ing more gently.
Wealthy swallowed resolutely.
The seectman, Mr.. Riddle, s just been down
to the house." she said slowly. lest her voice
should tremble He says it's decided to XIII the
dogs: anyway. those that were bitten by that
strange dog-yor were down to the village that
day with Hotspur. you know He says Mr.
Barnes n Mr.. Earle out shooting dogs. lie
said he thought mebby you'd rather-"'ud
rather
Here the girls voice entirely gave out.
Dicks tanned face had grown white
He put his hand on Hotspur's head and held
It closely there The dog turned his faithful
eyes UP toward his master.
Rather WHAT" finally asked Dick. his words
just audible.
Rather kill him yourself" burst out wealthy
She pressed her lips tightly together and
stood perfectly still, her little REDEEMED hands
hanging clinched at her sides.
In the silence that followed chick a-dee gave
his cheerful little call in a savn tree close by.
and the large snowfakes floated between the
brother and sister, few Of them falling on the
Newfoundland's black coat
What did father say?'
Dick asked this question in a high, harsh
voice.
HE amt got home yet. Mr. Riddle says
there's an awful scare"
Another pause. Then Wealthy, In an awe
struck voice. inquired:
That dog did bite Hotspur, didn't hep
Yes; just brought blood on his shoulder"
Dick took step forward as he replied: Il
want TO see father"
The two began to walk down the hill toward
home.
II can't bear IT." cried the girl. desperately
Dick turned toward her. He reached forward
and took the hand nearest him. He essayed to
speak. but could not All he could do was to
hold his sisters hand tightly. and so the two
kept on until they reached the barn. which
stood behing .he farmhouse Hotspur walked
close behind them.
They heard the stamping Of horses feet on
the floor Of the stable and they knew that their
father had come home. ...-f.-
The two hurried forward, followed by Hot
spur, who greeted Mr.. Faxon and then sat down
on his launches to wait until it was time to go
into the house.
Mr. Faxon's face was grave He glanced quick
ly at his boy and girl but said nothing.
Dick stepped forward and began to help I'M
harness the horse When the animal had
walked into his stall and been fastened there,
Mr. Faxon said:
Il met Mr. Riddle l was coming home"
Dick and Wealthy stood near each other.
The boy seemed to stiffen himself as II to meet
a blow He watched his fathers face closely.
He had an implicit trust in his fathers kindness
and In his judgment. But the girl had covered
her eyes with her hands.
81 believe you said that strange dog bit Hot
spur, Dicl?" said Nh Faxon.
yes sir: he did" was the answer The mans
face grew graver yet.
I'VE can't run any risks in such a matter
this" he said land the town authorities
mean to make a clean sweep of all the animals
that bitten
Are they sure that strange dog mad?"
Dick put this question in a scarcely audible
voice.
TT can't be known positively. but don't sup
pose there's any doubt. Mr. Riddle heard the
dog was shot over there by Dills crossing. II
came from Bend River where there have been
two authentic cases of hydrophobia. I'm
afraid
Mr. FaXon paused
Dick cried "Oh. fathcr. and could say
more.
Il take II as Kind or Mr.. Riddle 10 warn us,
said Mr. Faxon. He told me he knew that you
thought al uncommon lot of your dog. In fact.
we all love him. He's the best fellow Here
the speakers voice became unsteady, and he
walked quickly out Of the barn toward the
house But he returned Immediately TO say:
Dick shall / undertake to do this
mo. no"' interrupted the boy. I've always
done everything for him. I've trained him-Ive
taken care OF him since he was a puppy.
shant let any one else touch him. I-oh. dear.
OH dear.'
The boy broke down completely. He turned
to the wall and leaned his forehead against It.
sobbing heavily.
His father stood looking at him an instant in
silence
Wealthy flung her arms about her brothers
neck and sobbed with N, m