The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-05-13


residence. He was not an ostentatious
cat, but bedrabbled and bleary-eyed
shred Of gray that sat guarding Oul
milk bottles one morning when
opened the back door. Indeed, | have
seldom seen a more forlorn specimen
than was our stately "Pussum" at this
the moment of our introduction.
Perhaps he was prodigal that had
Travelled far, wasting his substance in
riotous living. At least he was very
fOot-sore, and had no substance left
that seemed of any value to respect
able people. A vagabond and tramp,
depending on charity and odd jobs to
help him on his way, he was doubtless
guarding our milk supply with the
hope of some slight reward. We didn't
need his protection, but from the
depths of my heart and one of the bot
ties modest salvage was granted. I
put some milk in a pan, and he drank
it greedily, without thanks. l did not
invite him in. We had no cat as yet,
but we had one planned, and it was
not of this design. | hoped that when
filled he would fare onward to lay pro-
lection and tribute on other milk-bot-
ties than ours.
forgot him presently, and was rath-
er surprised when somewhat later
heard the little woman" announce
that there was kitten clinging to the
screen door, and crying to come
in. | went out to investigate, and
and found him half way up the screen.
Not being able to get through the wire,
he had climbed it.
1T is unnecessary to come in"
said. you can thank me from where
you stand, or sit, or whatever you call
it. appreciate your desire, now that
the pangs of hunger are allayed, to
make due acknowledgment; but time
is precious, and you should be on your
way. There are other milk-bottles to
be saved The future is full of them.
Besides, it is pleasanter without, and
we have no servant within. We are
barely settled. We could not enter
tain you properly, even if we could.
Go your way. Get off of our screen
door, and hence! Rapidly"
He refused to hence. With food he
had acquired vigor, and voice strong
for his size.
Perhaps" | said, che wishes more
food"
pushed open the screen, and
begged him to descend. This was i'm
possible-he had not planned for re-
treat His tendency was to climb high
er. was not eager to touch him, but
there seemed no alternative. | de-
tached him from the wire, and placed
him before the pan. Again he ate.
Again, filled with the milk of human
kindness, he climbed up to vociferate
his thanks and his intentions OF abid-
ing with us always
| tried to shake him Oft was no
use. | unlocked him repeatedly, and
replaced him in remote corners OF the
property. He could beat me back to
the screen door, even allowing me as
much as ten yards start We repeat
ed this race, until finally, | beat him.
He was fully five steps behind when !
got my hand on the knob and he was
coming with Roadway. | was rather
warm now, and slightly annoyed by
his overweening desire to become our
guest. With my hand still on the
knob. awaited him grimly. did not
kick him. | would scorn to kick a
cat, especially such cat. | simply
lifted him with my foot, and planted
him in our experiment garden. He
described an arc, and disappeared
among the tomato vines. Flinging
wide the door, | rushed in, unwilling
to investigate the result of my vio-
lence. A sound from behind caused
me to start and turn. He was half
way I'D the screen, and going higher.
opened the portal gently. Come
in little stranger, | said. And thus
it was the prodigal became part of
our household
AS the days passed, the stranger
grew strong and beautiful. Not being
pure Maltese. named him at first
-.MaItjne;" but this title somehow
seemed frivolous. and savored Of adj
vertising. whereas "Pussum" came
trippingly from the tongue, and ex-
messed more affectiCnately the deep
regard and admiration which he pres
emily awakened in us all Whatever
NAV have been his past, it was left be-
hind with his bleary eyes and MS e.na-
oiatea tall Beth were fle and cx-
vuuuuu.x,.uu.wuu.--