New-York tribune., 1901-11-10
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L4DDIE.

Lake Champlain was frozen over, and the skaters
who had gathered for good time were cutting
fancy figures in the ice, when dog came running
across the lake fast his feet would carry hin-
He was large and beautiful collie, but his coat,
which was different from that of any collie ever
seen III that locality, was of blush gray just
the color a Maltese kitten That he was dog
of fine pedigree could be seen at a glance by the
skaters who gathered around him. for his neck
was encircled by the pure white collar that marks
the genuine collie. white ruff came over each
shoulder and met the fril that covered his chest
His slender paws were white. and his silky coat
was so long that IT waved about the wind swept
by. His tail like a dropping plume and only
lust escaped the ground he walked. His brown
eyes were keen. yet gentle and his countenance
expression of wisdom
Whenever a hand reached out to touch his leather
collar the dog braced back on the ice and dis
nlaved a row Of cleaning white teeth. Not until
a small boy approached him did he display any
WILLINGNESS to friendly, but when this boy spoke
the collie looked with an air that said as plainly
IS words Yes. I'll go with you, and Waggeo MS
sfI tovouslv The question of ownership was thus
decided for time least. and slipping his SKATE
strap through the dogs collar the boy led his
willing captive home The dog was irnmediatey
named Laddie
The first night In his new home he insisted on
nassing in a dark corner under the kitchen table.
The next morning he came out to eat his oreak-
fast. and by schooltime he had become acquainted
with the boys small sister, and showed an IN
~ t'~1 O
He was a strong dog, and 1t required only few
DAYS training to teach him to wear little mar
ness and trot off to school with the sled every
morning.
When Sunday came 1t was decided to take Laoole
70 church as an experiment, and see II he Wouio
STAY quietly in the vestry He trotted after the
carriage until he reached the church. where ne
declined to be caught. Instead, he walked rigrt
through the church door and going up the ais4e
stretched himself comfortably the carpet at the
Lott htc tod
front paws with an air OF nnality that said ne
meant stay there. He would not even glance IN
the direction OF the family pew, and ignored al!
the frantic signals made to him. The family had
not vet become sufficiently we'll acquainted with
Iaddia 10 know whether it would be safe 20 at
reuot to take him away forcibly and as the MIN
lister went calmly on with the service Laddie was
allowed TO remain, although many reproachIu'
elances were his way by his friends. III was
feared that I.addie might howl at the hymns. but
fortunately he seemed to like music and his face
wore a pleased expression when the organ was
played.
AS the service drew 10 close Laddie was
observed TO be watching the family out Of the
corner Of hts eve although his head remained mo-
tionless After the people left the church Laddie
reoined his friends. and scampered after the car
riage, giving loud harks Of JOY 1t was one OF
Ladies' faiing. that he dearly loved the sound OF
his own voice and made the best or every opportu-
nifty make himself heard.
At a family gathering that evening Il was decid-
ed that Laddle should never again be permitted
to accompany the family church. but should be
| locked UP during that hour. While his conduct
| was being discussed Ladde basking In front
Of the open fire. watching the glowing logs with
! pensive air.
He understood what was said that evening
! lamented member OF the family the following
| Sunday, for when church time came Laodie was
| to be found
With many misgiyings the family entered the
| church. and there Ladde at his post in front
of the pulpit, apparently enjoying a needed rest
| after his long tramp. Many attempts were made
prevent the dog from attending church. but they
| all failed. =.
As every one In the village loved Lad6ie II was
! decided to indulge him in the matter OF gong 70
| church. and his presence there came TO be looked
| upon matter of course.
AS spring advanced Ladde went on long walks
| with the boy. into the deep woods. where the
| brooks held specked trout. Laddie enjoyed these
| tramps, and when he the fishing tackle BENG
| gathered the table the dog would go 10 the
front stoop and wait there. Once or twice an at
| tempt was made leave Laddie at home. but he
not be diverted from his purpose and before
! the woods were reached Laddie would come bound-
ing up a hilarious state OF glee. and later would
quietly after the boy. He even refrafned from
barking up the squirrels, who at other times ne
! would chase up into the trees. But occasionally
| Laddie would suffer from what the family called
'apses of Conscience and these occasions. IN
| stead of keeping away frcm the brook. he would
| walk into some pool where the fishing was espe-
cially good and splash around until he had fright
ened the fish away from that vicinity for the Gay
There never any danger Of getting lost When
Laddie along, for all the boy needed TO say