The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-13

Tobias was his name Although he lad had no name, except you uos. tli me day Willie Clarke found him wander ng In the streets and whistled 10 him In
 friendly way. Then the little stub allied, lapeared, shaggy four-footer ran liter Willie, parked 'how-u0 you-do, title man." and wngged his little stub all to demonstrate his joy at belng ioticed.
 And Willie fondly patted him on the lead and gladly allowed him to follow. You ure a fine fellow," said Willie. And if you don't belong 10 anyone you nay come home with me and ih own rou." To which the little unkept stray ,arked his willingness to become Wiilie's property henceforth, and troiteu along at respectful distance behind.
 Nov. ST." resumed Willie, inclined O be talkatiye tas any uoruiu boy Is when in the company of q dog). "l must live you u name. 1 wonder what would uit you, anyway Aud Willie looked f his new possession us if expecting ,uggestion from hlm. But the oniy re- ,pouse was another wns or the stuo. which was a poor excuse for tall. aud
 shurp, happy little bark. But just f that minute Willie happened to glance in and suw Il little bakeshop where he vas In the habit of buying rasin cake. nd where a genial little old man, by ba name of Tobias Tumble, held forth. I. this same Tobias always gave Willie mch good measure for his money Willie ,ow conceived the Idea of doing the good ivtIe baker the houor of naming the stray log after him. So. turning to the little ioa he said: Fellow. your name Is Tobias from now on. Underestimate robias--plain. good Tobias. Ah II you Ire as good n dog as Tobias Tumble Is a ,ood baker-wei, Tii have DO kick con- nR, SO l won't
 An % that little shaggy. stuo-tailed. ap cared pup became Tobias. Aud from hat day bis troubles as well as hts happiness began
 When Willie walked into his own home. with Tobias at his heels, his mother ex- claimed: Why, child alivel Where did you get that horrid little dogf Don't ,r,ng him Into the house; take him out iuickly. for you may be sure he Is fuii or ieas!'
 But, mamma, dear" began Willie. h. ,ending to plead Tobias cause. when up rom among several cushions on the couch sprang old Tabby, the great gray .at that was the pet of the Clarke house. ,old. and who had undisputed rights over Ill other small animals that might be brought there.
 Spit" went old Tabby. and her back lrChe0 ana ner thll Huutu up to hh euVl- nous size, resembling the long fur boas worn " Indies In cold weather. Spit! lpitl' she repeated, her eyes blazing as hey took in the four-footed newcomer.
 Bow -wow!" replied Tobias. frisking bout and seeming In the gay. good hu- nor to tease old Tabby. "Bow-wow! ,ow-wowi"
 "Oh, dear, C ld!" cried Willic's mamma, who was n nervous woman, take that pup out quickly or he'll get into fight with Tabby and injure her. Why did you ,ver piek up such rough looking. half tarved animal, anyway" And Willie's mama ran and opened the door that While might lead the dog out.
 Well, l don't see why old Tab has to ilways boss things" murmured Willie, IS he reluctantly walked out Into the Jack yard with Tobias at his heels. But ,nce outside he forgot his trouble and began 10 make plans for Tobias 'uthre. There were yet more serious objections o be met with in the form of his father md the cook. particularly the latter. vho Willie stood in awe of, for through Ter indulgence onIy could be obtain food or Tobias.
 Well. I'll tell you what I'll do today. Tobias" connded Willie as he sat on the pack steps with his new comrade be- dde him, "I'll put some of my dinner in by pocket and sneak It out to yoc. Then.