The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-01-29
SUCH AS WALK In DARKNESS
BY SAMUEL HOPKINS ADAMS.
Copyright by $. S. Mcclure Coz

shaggy little dog. II was Solomon
Johns business to stand on roaring
corner and sell papers; it was Billy
Wiggs business to take~care of him
while he did ii. for he was blind.
1t was our busineSS-Dr Harvey :
and mine--to pay for our papers ana
pass on. but we seldom strictly mind
ed 1t. Instead we would stop TO talk
to Solomon John. to the detrinent OF
trade. and TO be patronized BY Billy
Wigg. who was much puffed up with
self-imporancc, conceivinE himself TO
be the principal owner of the earth
and solo proprietor of Solomon John.
IN he half of which he was correct
! was very fond of Billy Wigg de-
spite his airs of superiority. Harvey
preferred old Solomon: but this was "a
semi-professionai interest, for nay
medical friend had contracted the
pamphlet habit which he INDUCED be-
fore scientific bodies made up of gem
tlemen with weak eyes who knew more
about ophthalmology than can be
found in many fat tones. Solomon
John was remarkable case of some-
thing quite unprcnounceable, and Har-
vey used to gaze into his eyes with
rapt intensity, while Billy WEE
tidgeted and struggled against the
temptation to gnaw such portions OF
him as were within reach: for Billy
Wigg didn't understand, and what he
didn't understand WAS disapproved OF
on principle. In the light Of subsequent
events / believe Billy's uneasiness {"
have been an instance of animal pre-
vision.
To see Billy Wigg conduct his master
across that mll-race of traffic that
swirleti between curb and curb. as he
did every morning in time for business.
was an artistic pleasure. Something
more than Il. mere pilot was the dog
rather the rudder to whose accurate
direction old Solomon responded with
precise and prompt fidelity. A tug Oh
the trouser leg from behind would
bring the ancient newsboy to a halt.
A gentle jerk forward would start him
again. and in obedience TO a steady
pull to one side or the other he would
trustingly suffer himself to be conduct
eel around a. checked wagon or q malt
ed cable car All the time Billy Wigs
would keep up running conversation,
made up of admonition, warning, ana
encouragement.
Come ON. noW''-in series OF
sharp yaps. as they started from the
curb. Push right ahead. Hold hard.
That's all right; it's by. Hurry now.
Hcrry i said. VIII you do as | tel
YOU" Then. to a too-pressing cabhv.
in an angry bark. Whats the matter
with you. anyway? Trying To run
folks down? Hey well''--apologe
ideally, in response to a jerk on his
string-'.these fool drivers do stir mo
up. Wait /, bit. Now for it. And
here we are.
How many thousand times dog and
man had made the trip in safety be-
fore the dire day of the accident not
even Solomon John can reckon. Har-
vey and l had started down town ear
~. while our pair of papervending
friends CHANGED to be a little late. AS
we reached the corner they were al
ready half way across the street, ANA
billy Wigg. with all the strength or
terror. was striving to haul Solomon
John backward.
whats the matter with Billy
said Harvey. for from the sidewalk wc
could not then see the cause of his
excitement.
A second later the question was an
swered as there plunged into view
from behind Il car the galloping horse
Of a derclict delivery wagon.
Good heavens, Look at the old
man. cried. and in the same breath.
Look at the dog" gasped Harvey.
With one mighty jerk Billy Wigg
had torn the leash from his masters
hard. Bereft of his sole guidance III
the thunder and rush of traffic the
blind man stretched out piteous hands.
warding death he could not see.
Billy" he quayered, where arc
YOU. Billy? Come back to me. Billy
dog.
For once Billy Wigg was deaf 10 his
masters voice. He was ebeying q
more imperious call, that unfathomel
nobility of dog-nature that responds
SO swiftly to the summons. he was
casting his own life in the balance 10
save anothcr's. Straight at the horses /
throat he launched himself. a forlorn
hope 1t WAS a very light horse. and
ls-.lC a
stroke of the knee caught him full' !
he was flung. whirling. fell almost en- /
der the wheels Of cab. rolled into /
The gutter and lay there quiet. The /
horse had sWerved a little, not quite I
enough. There was a scream. and the /
blind man went down from the gianc- /
ing impact of the shoclder. Harvey !
and We're beside him almost as soon
hs the cross-wall< policeman. The
three of US carried him to the side
walk.
mo need TO call an ambulance. Of
icer' said Harvey. I'm a physician
and the man is a friend of mine
'Redad. thin. the dawg is a frihd o.
mine" said the big fellow. Couldn't
W take him along. too. sir?
Well--rather. said Harvey. hearth
~. ''Where is he?" He turned to look
Ior the dog.
Billy Wigg came crawling toward
u.s. Never tell me that dogs have no
souls. The eyes in Eilly's shaggy little
face yearned With Il more than hu-
man passion Of anxiety and love. as.
yasping with pain--for he had been
.ruelIN Shal<en--he dragged himself 10
his partners face. At the touch of the
warm. eager tongue. Solomon Johns
yes opened. He stretched out his
lund and buried il in The heavy fur.
Hello, Billy. he sst weakly. II +
vas afraid YOU were hurt. Are YOU all
rlght. old boy" Aud Billy. burrowing
/ wet nose in Solomon Johns neck.
vept for joy with loud whines.
Some rapid and expert wire-pullinS
IN the part of Harvey landed our pair
,f friends in a private hospital. where
solomon John proved most grateful
md gentle patient, and Billy Wigg an
est tumuliuous one until ar
was made for tn"
irm TO occupy one and the
s;tnie cot. Then he became
ractablc. even enduring the indignity
# Il flannel jacket and splints with Il
sort uf humorous tolerance Every
lay Harvey came and Sazcd soulfnIly ;
nto Solomon Johns glazed eyes