Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1903-03-26

Where Rag came from was never
really known, but be was probably
one Of the great army of homeless
CANNES.
When Mr.. Smith spoke kindly 20
him on the street. instead of kicking
az him, as so many had previously
done. he appeared TO recognize al
once that he had found a friend. and
though told TO 60 back, he persisted
in following him TO bis home, where,
after some protest on the part of the
good wife, the little waif was admit
tea. andft was not long before he
was regularly-recognized member
Of the household.
This shaggy, little terrier could
never be accused of being a hand
some dog, but he had bright, ex-
pressive eyes and a high order of
canine Intelligence, and he always
appeared to be trying to show his
appreciation for being taken in out
of the cold world.
He was a willing messenger in or
out of the house, and it was seldom
he made mistake.
His mistress frequently rewarded
him by giving him a penny, and per-
mitting him to go TO the bakery and
get cake, on which occasions he
would enter the shop, go. up to the
counter, and drop his coin by the
doughnuts, and receive his purchase
from the proprietor, who was well
acquainted with him, and deliber-
ately trot home to eat it.
One day, when returning, strange
dog stood near the entrance TO the
yard, and refused to let Rag pass.
After facing thd enemy few mo.
ments. and seeing no way of getting
where he desired TO go, Rag evident
ly decided that strategy was pref
erable to an uncertain combat.
Trusting to his opponents natural
curiosity, he quietly dropped his
doughnut, dashed up the street
barking furiously, as II in purs i.
of a much desired object. and the
keeper of the gate at On 20 joined IN
the chase When he had nearly
overtaken his leader, and begun to
wonder what he was after, anyway
Rag whirled quickly about, and was
back at the starting point. had So
cured his doughnut, was through
the gate and in the house almost be
fore the other dog realized tia. h.
had been corapletely outwitted.
One OF Rags duties, or rather.
privileges, was 10 20 to his maste..'s
room in the morning and arp.r,
the hour for rising, t6e t,o hcinc
left slightly ajar for him About
the middle oi one night, Mr.. Srni,h
was quite surprised, and not o l;tt,r
startled, by the earnest but silent
efforts OF his pet to awaken him
When Rag had accomplished thi,
much, he jumped from the bed, ran
TO the head of the stairs, and quick
ly returned to see if he was followed.
His evident anxiety and earnestness
convinced his master that something
was wrong in the lower part of the
house, SO making the necessary
preparations, he followed the dog
down TO the dining room, where Rag
haulted, all quivering with excite
ment. but quiet, expressing as well
as he could by his manner, that
within something was wrong.
With revolver in hand, the mas
ter opened the door and entered.
but Rag rushed in ahead, and fairly
made the house echo with his bark
ing. There was a rush, crash,
and groan, then all was still.
Upon investigation it was discov-
ed that negro bad effected an en-
trance at one Of the windows. but
the quick ear of the dog had heard
him, and by quietly calling his mas
ter. Rag had brought him to the
dining room before the burglar was
aware that he was discovered.
Dropping what valuables he had
collected, be had dashed for the
open window, but had slipped and
partially lost his hold, and the heavy
sash had fallen on him, holding him
suspended until he could be secured
and turned over to the authorities,
by whom he was recognized as a
notorious character, whose rather
unique capture was due chiefly to
the sagacity OF this small dog.
Nj. g. JESIsoS.
1 Tragedy Ayerted.