The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-06-04

barking ferociously. The cur was as large
as Hodo, and quite as formidable looking.
The hound heard the challenge And rushed
to accept it, and the two dogs came to-
gether some distance from the spectators.
There was fierce wrangle for the advamt-
age, and then those who were watching
fhe contest saw Hodo dragging the cur
about by the neck and shaking him flu
riously. When Hodo finally gave him his
liberty, the cur ran toward the negro quar-
ters.
II told you he wasn't hound!" exclaim-
common hound"
II agree with you there said Joe Max
well, laughing.
Returning from his encounter, Hodo went
to Buster John and rubbed his head
against the youngter, and followed him
very pleasing to Joe Maxwell; for ordlnari-
ly Hodo was very vicious with strangers,
and especially with children.
When supper, which was a very substan-
tial meal, had been discussed, Joe Max
we'll called for Buster John, and the two
went to the lot On the way there they
were Joined by Johnny Bapter.
SHOW me whore my horse is, Johnny
Bapter," said Joe Maxwell.
He right yonder, sub, in de best stall
dey is. His legs all Clean"
well, then, Johnny Bapter, I. want fif-
teen ears Of corn, not the biggest, with
sound ends, and two bundles of fodder.
Put the corn in the trough, unite the bun
dies of fodder outside, and whip as much
of the dust out of it as you can. And then
place bucket of water in one end Of the
trough"
This was all very quickly and deity
done, for Joe MaxwelPs tobacco, as Johnny
Bapter described it, tasted like mo- and
the way to get more was to look after that
sorrel horse.
I hope you are going along with us in
the morning" said Joe Maxwell to Buster
John, as they were returning to the house
"Oh, / wish l couldn' the boy exclaim-
ed; I'D give anything to go, but mamma
says I'm too young. She's afraid some
! thing will happen to me-"
Young Maxwell laughed. "Why, l went
fox-hunting before 1 was as old as you.
Mr.. Dennis took me behind him twice, be-
cause l promised 1 wouldn't hunt rabbits
with his fox hounds"
please tell mamma that" cried Buster
John.
II certainly WILL" said Maxwell.
And he did. AS soon they went in the
house he took Buster John by the hand and
went into the parlor where the lady was
entertaining her guests with music and
conversation. She was in high good hu-
NOR Her eyes sparkled and her laughter
was pleasing to the ear.
SOHS III, you TWO OOyS, Sne CRIED Hler-
rily. Here's a comfortable seat by me-
Shall 1 call you Mr.. Maxwell? 1 used to
call you Joe when you were younger"
Everybody calls me joe said Maxwell.
81 have come to ask you a favor. Will you
allow Buster John to go hunting with us
tomorrow morning.
why. who ever heard of such a thing?"
MIR. Dennis. there, has heard of it
twice"
The lady looked at Mr.. Dennis, who gave
an affirmative nod. How would he go?"
She asked.
ION my horse, behind me-"
What do you think of it, father"
why, l think he will be perfectly safe
with joe"
LET him go, by all MEANS said Mr..
Dennis emphatically. ut will help to make
man of him."
"But two ON a horse in a fox chase?
Why, it's Ridiculous" exclaimed the lady.
THE horse would break down in half an
hour"
How much does Buster John weigh?'
Joe Maxwell asked.
'Fifty-fve,'' said Buster John, proud
ly.
Then the horse would carry hundred