The Mena weekly star., 1896-09-16
ZEB'S PET SALMON.
BY VIRGIL G. EATON.


 Rutherford, domesticated and very intelligent salmon belonging to Zeb Atkins, of Hot Hole Mountain, Me, is dead. The immediate cause of his taking off was old age, though much handling and long journeys overland to the Dead River fish hatchery no doubt shortened his days. Zeb's liking for Rutherford was of an uncommon kind, even in these days Of cratic and erotic affections. The ten der and pink steaks, which make most salmon precious as we'll as palatable, were never taken into the account when Feb made an inventory of Rutherford's assets. A fish that could keep a large spring of water free from frogs and in sects for 20 years and earn in the same time S52.06 in cold cash was some ;hing uncommon, even in Maine, where the natural and supernatural walk hand in hand It was obvious to everybody who knew the circumstances that Ieb priZed Rutherford as money winner and con- fidential companion, and liked him so well that no epicurean thought crossed
  regular income against boiled salmon and green peas Feb espoused the un- popular side, and Rutherford survived two decades.
 Zeb is farmer, who follows fishing for an avocation, preferring the joys of the gentle art to anything he can find around the loafers' bench at the grocery. Late in May, 1876, when his neighbors were saving their dollars to go tc Phil adelphia he took his dip net and went down toward the bay, hoping to catch n few smelts The second sweep of the net brought him in a gilded and yer million-spotted salmon that weighed IS pounds. By soaking his net occasIonal- ly in fresh water he got the fish home alive. He put it into the great boiling spring back of the house. In d few weeks it had devoured all the swimming and creeping things that made their home in the spring, and began 10 look to Feb for sustenance. By carrying out chopped meat and scraps from the table whenever he went after pail of water, Feb soon tanned the fish so it would come and take the food from his hands. When the republican national ccnven- tion met and nominated Gov. Hayes for president, Feb named his fish Ruther- ford in honor of the winning candidate. After that the salmon was regarded as member of the family and no longer was mentioned as ''it."
 The pinch of hard times, which was felt all over Maine in 1876, fell upon Heb with the rest. One day when he was feeling unusually poor neighbor asked him why he did not sell Rutler- ford to the fish hatchery. Feb could not endure the thought of parting with his fish. Then he received n letter from a lawyer asking for immediate payment on a small bill that was long overdue. That night Rutherford was taken in q tub to the hatchery and Feb went home with $3.96 in his pocket. He was very sad all through having. In August. when his grass was in the barn, he went after berries. In his travels he came to the great pond where the hatchery fish are confined. He was picking berries and whistling an old tune when he heard splash in the water. This was followed by another and another, until great shining salmon dashed against the beach right at his feet. Zeb knew at once that it was Rutherford He fed his pet with few berries from his pail and went home to pass bad night. Though he fought bravely, the temp tation was strong. and the next day Rutherford was stolen from the pond and put back in the spring.
 Fortune was kind to Feb for three years, but in 1879 fever broke out in his family that took his last cent and left him in debt. Tn his straits he again took Rutherford to the hatchery and offered him for sale. Mir. Buck looked the fish over, and, turning up the back of its dorsal fin. showed tiny bronze tag which was attached to Rutherford's 5 back with a platinum wire.
 "rhis fish has been here before salG Mr. Buck. 'There is my tag, No. a23. Wait T minute while I look up this record"
 Zeb's knees knocked together with fear while iLr Buck went to book and