Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-10-02

tOT LluuS WSaty AhoS 'Ff
pulled that crazy cart. with Its hatefui
jangle Of bells, about the city streets
and suburban roads while the man
with the faded hair roared through his
matted beard: Buy o-o-o-o-lt ra-a-a-a-gs!
Buy o-o.o-o-lt ra-a-a-a.ags! OFT boddles!
OFT copper! Oft iron! waste baber"
The lump on Shippers hook kept
growing bigger and bigger. 1t seemed
as IL the darts Of pain shot from hoof
to flank with every step. Big hollows
came over his eyes. You could see his
ribs as plainly as the hoops On pork
barrel. Yet six days In the week lie
went on long trips and brought back
heavy loads Of junk. On Sunday he
hauled the junkman and his family
about the city.
Once the junkman tried to drive
Skipper into one Of the park entrances.
Then for the first time in his life Skip
per baked. The junkman pounded and
used such language as you might ex'
pect from junkman, but oil to no use
Skinner took the beating with lowered
head, but go through the gate he would
not So the junkman gave 1t UP, al
though he seemed very anxious to join
the line Of gay carriages which were
rolling in.
Soon after this there came break IL
the daily routine. One morning Skipper
was not led out as usual. In fact, nc
| one came near him, and he could hear
no voices In the nearby shanty. Skip
Der decided that lie would take a day
| of himself. BY backing against the
door he readily pushed 1t open, for the
staple was insecure.
Once at liberty, he climbed the road
way that led out Of the lot. 1t was late
IN the fall, but there was still snort
sweet winter grass to be found along
the cutters. For awhile he nibbled at
this hungrily. Then a queer idea came
to Skipper. Perhaps the passing of
smartly groomed saddle horse was re
sponsible.
At any rate, Skipper left of nibblini
grass. He hobbled out to the edge ol
the road, turned so rs to face the op
posite side and held up his head. There
he stood Just as he used to stand wheI
he was the pride Of the mounted squad
He was on post once more.
Few people were passing, and none
seemed to notice him, yet he was nj
odd figure. His coat was shaggy ant
weather stained. 1t looked patched
and faded. The spawned hook caused
one hind quarter to sag somewhat, bu
aside from that his pose was strict!
according to the regulations.
Skipper had been playing Mt standin,
post for a half hour when trottlnl
dandy who sported ankle boots and to
weights pulled up before him. He wa
drawing light, bicycle wheeled roa'
wagon, in which were two men.
"Qheer% one Of the men was say
ing. Cant say I see anything quee
about it, captain. Some old plug that
got away from a squatter. That's al
see in It."
"Weu. let's have a look" said tn
other. He stared hard at Skipper for
moment and then In loud, sharp ton
said:
"'Ten.shun! Right dressr
Skipper pricked up his ears, raise
his head and side stepped stifiy. I'll
trotting dandy turned and looked cur
ously at him.
"Forwardw said the man In the wat
on. Skipper hobbled out into the roat
Fright wheel! Halt! thought 80,
said the man as Skipper obeyed the o.
ders. "That fellow has been on tn
force. He was standing post; look
mighty familiar, too-white stocking
on two fore legs, white star on fore
head. Now, wonder If that can be-
| here, hold the reins minute"
Going up to Skipper the man patte
. his nose once or twice and then pushe
his muzxle to one side. Skipper duck
ed and countered. He had not fol
: gotten his boxing trick. The ma
turned his back and began to pac
down the road. Skipper followed an
picked up a riding glove which the ma
dropped.
"Doyle," said the man as he wake
back to the wagon, two years ago tha
was the finest horse on the force-too
81 the blue ribbon at the Garden. Aldel