The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-05-09

ing to throw again.
Its my dog" angrily answered the boy "and
I'll do what please with HIM"
The other boys crowded around ready with sticks
and stones to strike the dog soon the big
boy should drive him from under the wagon John
dropped the backe leaped to the ground and creep
ing close to the terrified dog, said to the boys
you'll have to hit first"
The poor creature covered close to him, if feel
ing he had found friend and protector in his ex-
tremity
shout arose among the boys. "Knock him if
he won't get out of the way" and hands raised
threateningly. But John stood his ground manfuly
In the midst of the uproar Peter returned with the
bucket of water. whats the matter here?'' he
asked.
"He wants to keep me from my dog" answered the
big boy pointing to John.
"They are beating the poor thing to DEATH Uncle
Peter" called John from under the wagon, putting
his arm the dog to show he would not desert
him.
"Now all you boys tell me what this troubIe ia
about" demanded Peter.
That's my dog, Ponto, and he's been behaving so
strange lately believe he's mad; and got these
boys to help me Kill him. answered the big boy,
posing brick in his hand
Peter stopped by the side of the wagon examined
the dog carefully, then got up and said: "Tha dog
amt no more mad than you is-maybe not much"
CHATS so, Uncle Peter" called John; ''he's just
half dead with heat and thirst"
Peter reached under the wagon. lifted the poor
dog out gently while John followed. ''Now boys"
he said, "I'm just po colored man, but I'm
going to stop this fuss. The first boy that hits
that dog and begins racket, I'm going to call the
police him."
away, the big boy saying tauntingly to John: eff
you fond of ours, I'll make you a present of
Ponto; and much good may he do you'll" And, shy
ing a brick dangerously near Johns head he
around the corner.
"Thanl YOU" replied john busy with pouring
some water into empty pan, which he set before
the dog, the famished creature tapping it eagerly.
Then he put into the pan some meat and bread from
the basket
When John and Uncle Peter had finished their
lunch and Dobbin and Joe had eaten the last wisp
of hay and the dog had licked the pan dry, the
horses hitched to the wagon for the homeward
drive. "GOOdby, dOggie; am sorry to leave you,'
said John, patting the grateful dog on thehead
But Ponto had no idea of being left to the cruelty
of any boy who might chance to come along. So
he whned, wagged his poor, limp tail, and,
when the wagon started trotted after it with all his
might
@Uncle Peter" said John, after vanIy telling Pom
to that he must 90 back, "the boy gave him to me.
Can't take him homer"
81 don't believe that boy had any claim on him.
It's my 'pnion that dog amt got nobody to take
of him, and he's orphan. But don't know
what your will say bout your making 'sylum
of her house." replied Peter gravely.
John was not afraid of his mothers Directing to
any act of mercy; so, while Peter stopped the
wagon, he got out and lifted the dog in The dog
stretched his tired limbs upon the straw with a
deep breath of satisfaction.
Ponto evidently thought a great deal was due
John. He fattened and became so sleek and hand
that would have been ashamed of him.
He made himself generally useful, driving the
chickens from the garden and the hogs out of the
fields.
In the fall the negroes carried every evening tho
cotton they had picked during the day to the ofn
house to have it weighed by Uncle Peter. John and
Ponto were always on hand-John to write down
the weights and Ponto to stand by wagginp his now