Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-11-26
STORY Of A CAT.
How Tabby Awaited the Return Of the
Ship With Her Kittens.

Ship With Her Kittens.
An instance of remarkable sagacity
displayed by a cat, in connection with
the oil tank steamer Bsyonne, now
loading at Point Breeze, is just now
the prevailing topic of conversation
among officials of the custom house
and the employees of the Atlantic
Refining company, says the Philadel-
phia Times.
1t is a true story and is vouched for
by the crew of the Bayonne, the board
ing officers and all others having to do
with the vessel.
When the Bayonne came to Phila-
delphia, about seven weeks ago, she
had pet, an ordinary black and white
pussy, whose birthplace was far beyond
the Italian Alps. The cat was pres
ent to Captain Won Hugo, and had
accompanied him on several voyages.
1t is, moreover, no ordinary tabby, as
it is the proud possessor of pedigree
and an appearance equally remark
able. Italy is not blessed with many
cats-in fact, they are almost rarity.
Therefore, to the great cat show held
last year at Florence there were vast
crowds attracted. The mascot of the
Bayonne was present, and carried off
a big gold medal, which Captain Won
Hugo personally exhibits to visitors
tribute to the finest specimen of
feline aristocracy represented at the
exhibition.
While the big oil-tanker was loading
her cargo at Point Breeze on the visit
mentioned, to the horror of the captain
and the CONSERVATION of the steward,
who was charged with its keeping,
the animal disappeared the day after
presenting to the ship four beautiful
kittens. Well organized parties search
ed the tanker from stern to stern and
thoroughly explored the streets and
wharves around the oil tank, but all
to no avail. Pussy was gone, and with
much regret Captain Won Hugo was
obliged to make sail without his old
companion.
Two days after the Bayonne left the
prodigal returned. Running down on
the wharf it cast anxious glances at
the big bark Sternbeck, which now
occupied the pier formerly held by the
Bayonne. Visitingin succession every
ship in the vicinity, the instinct of the
cat forbade its boarding any of them,
and finally giving up in despair it cast
its lot in the Matchbox of Watchman
Manly, seemingly reconciled to the
fact that it must await the appearance
of the absent oil ship. During the
six weeks in which the Bayonne was
on her voyage to Savonis, Italy, 20
other steamers came in and each was
carefully inspected in turn by the sban-
doned tabby. Strange to say, sur
vey from distance seemed to satisfy
the cat. 1t was obvious that its former
home was not recognized.
At last the Bayonne returned and
then was manifest an unparalleled exhi-
bition of animal instinct. When the oil
ship was far down the stream pussy
took up her position on the end of the
wharf, showing by thousand antics
that the oncoming craft was the one
so anxiously awaited for 80 many
weeks. Unnecessary to say, perhaps,
that the recognition was mutual, from
Captain Won Hugo on the bridge to
the big black dog barking on the poop
deck, and there was no need to decry
the absence of an enthusiastic welcome.
To cap the climax, when the Bayonne
was yet IL feet from the pier the cats
impatience reached the limit. With
one flying leap it cleared the interven-
ing space, and to the surprise of the
cheering crew ran directly to the
place where her kittens were former
ly domiciled. The latter were still on
board and in few moments the hap
py family were again united.
Captain Won Hugo will now have
picture painted of his celebrated pet,
which will ornament his private cabin,
and on his return home will have the
strangest Of tales to relate to his fami-
ly and friends concerning the phenom-
email instinct of pussy, which has al
ready become we'll known at the home
port.
p% "Here, you young rascal, give
an account of yourself. Where have
Won hoon 9n GA flor tho pirls father -