The Elbert County tribune., 1904-06-09

MR. DOG
By OPIE READ
Copyright, 1901, By Daily Story Publishing company

II was said, and not without reason.
that Grubbs had no friends. He was
surely an uninviting old fellow. as
Whose upon whose property he held
mortgages were well aware. but per-
sons better acquainted with him, that
Is to say, those who had glimpses of
his inner nature. declared that there
was good in him. He used to come
down town every morning on the ele-
waited road. and at a station he began
TO look for the face of small boy at
window. 1t was but brief satisfac-
ton, for of course the train halted
only moment, but he appeared to
look forward to it, and would squeeze
himself, though a large man, into a
seat between two other large men in
order to be on the side nearest the
window in which the boys face ap-
pcared. Once he was late and missed
the face and the next morning he
made it point to be on time again.
The face was not there in the after
noon when the old man returned
home, at least he had not been able to
see it. though he never failed to look
at the window. He had been talking
to an acquaintance, but broke OF short
to look. Then he began to grumble
What's the trouble?" the acquaint-
ance asked.
''oh, nothing much" But he shut
up and held himself in moody silence
The next morning the face was not
there; the curtain. was down. And
thus it went on for a week. Grubbs
fretting all the time. He spoke to
some one. THAT face was the only
bright thing | was permitted to see,
and now it is gone" AT night he
dreamed of the face, SO expressive
and full of wonder, and he swore that
it was a shame thus to be deprived OF
1t; so one morning he got OFF the train
to look for the face. Up dark stair
way he groped, knocked at door,
was scolded when he explained in a
stammering manner that he was look
ing for a face, went to another door
and knocked. A tired woman present
ed herself. She appeared to be of gem
tie bearing and Grubbs, usually gruff.
spoke TO her with unwonted Kindness
In a few words he told of the face
1T was flower to me, madam" The
woman opened wide the door and in
vited him to enter. and there on a bed
he saw the face, pale with sickness
He sat down and the little fellow. who
had passed the dangerous point and
was recovering. was amused to see so
big and shaggy man. In his own
way he remarked that Grubbs remind
ed him of great dog. and he asked
Grubbs to bark for him. which he
did. the woman smiling at him; and
after this Grubbs was known as the
dog" One morning he said to the
woman:
You Cont seem to have the means
to keep yourself properly. How do
you support yourself?"
81 work at the theater whenever
can get an engagement"
What sort of work."
''Oh. help. fill out the ballet"
The old man frowned, but she did
not notice it. well" said he, you
must let me do something for you
am much attached to this little fell
low
He bowed over the boy, and the lit
tie fellow, reaching up and patting
the grizzled head. remarked that he
was a good dog. and then requested
the music of growl. Often he would
stay late-did not seem to care for
time. Several days passed, and he re-
membered that the woman had not
accepted his offer of help. neither had
she encouraged him In the belief that
she would accept. He renewed 1t. II
tell you that this little fellow is about
all care for. Listen. | was coming
down town one morning after a
wrangle at my house with men who
were trying to beat me out of what
belonged to me. and suddenly 1t flash
ed across me that there was nothing
true and beautiful in this miserable
old world. and then at that very mo-
ment first caught sight of this little
fellow and"
And you've been good ever since,'
the boy broke in.
Yes. or at least better than wa-
Madam. you must let me help you.
believe you said your name is Mar
ley"
She nodded. But my name ain't
that" the boy cried out. and she bade
him hush.
Madam, will you do me great
favor?" he asked.
81 don't know. sir. But you have
been kind enough to warrant It,"
Thank you. 1t has been a good