Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-04-11
Nm OTHER, couldn't you go tell Mr..
tWfi Rollins that just can't sing to-
(AQGA dnrG He OUGHT not TO EXPECT q

ikWI Rollins that I just can't sing to-
A0A day. He ought not to expect a
boy to sing who has had his dog stolen
[ know he's been stolen, for he never
missed coming in to breakfast before, and
I've been all over the place hunting for
him.
In spite of her sympathy mother smil-
ed Il don't think Mr.. Rollins would
excuse you" she said. "You know this
is Easter Sunday, and everybody will be
out to church. You have been rehears-
ing the music for months, and the voice
of even the smallest choir boy will be
needed"
"WeII, 1 know 1 can't even remember
the words. All I can think of is Grip
Is stolen Grip is stolen ! and shall
want to be out hunting for him every
minute"
"Come, now" interposed the father,
''brace up and get ready for church quick
If Grip doesn't put in an appearance be-
fore night, I'll advertise for him to-mor-
row. and then if he isn't returned III get
you a new dog"
"A new dog?" cried Ralph. do you
suppose I want a new dog? It's just
because he's Grip that want him. Why,
he's all the brother I've had since-Oh,
mother, didn't mean
Ralph had had a big brother a year
ago. Grip had belonged to Ralph and
Rob together. But Rob had quarreled
with father about spending money, had
called father a stingy old thing, and had
said that he was most a man and would
earn his own money and never take an
other cent from father. Then he had
run away in the night. They had not
heard from him since.
Mother laughed to hide the sorrow in
her eyes, and said:
''You might as we'll talk of getting
Ralph a new mother if I were stolen
as to talk of getting a new dog in Grip S
place. Mightn't he, Ralph?
'Well I could stand a new dog a lit
tie better than l could a new MOTHER =
Ralph replied seriously.
1t all ended in Ralph's going to
church. 1t was the largest Episcopal
church in the little suburban city, and
to-day it was crowded. Even the aisles
had to be filed with chairs to accommo-
date all who came.
Ralph was a very sober little choir
boy. He could not forget Grip for an
instant When the choir rose to render
the anthem he felt like shouting out, IF
I only knew Grip was safe Oh, Grip,
Grip, Grip !" instead of the joyful ring
ing words of the Easter music.
As they sang Ralph did not notice a
queer convulsive ripple among the peo-
pie who sat in the center aisle. Men
reached down as if to grasp something
and then Strengthened up again with very
red faces. Suddenly Ralph caught 3
glimpse of something that made him stop
in the middle of a word, transixed with
mingled horror and delight. There, right
in front of him, was Grip, rascally little
terrier that he was, looking up at Ralph
with an irreverent grin. He had wriggleC
through under the chairs in the center
and emerged triumphant and painting
ready to join in the service.
The music seemed to fascinate the
wicked little dog. Before any one could
stir he pricked up one ear and joined il
the chorus. Bow, WOW, WOW, 100000
WOW, bow, WOO, WOO, 90 ow!'' he SANG
cheerfulIy, making fearful discord in thu
glorious Easter anthem.
Three men on the front seat STOPPED
at the same time to pick him up, ant
In doing so bumped their heads togethe
with great emphasis and missed the slip
perry little dog, who vanished behint
Ralph's casSock, where he remained per
fectIy still and hidden, with his hea'
pressed close against his little master
knee.
Quiet, Grip whispered Ralph, an,
the Mortified congregation settled bacl
with a sigh of relief, while the rufiet