The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-02-13

the outhung hands reminded the older
man of the day so long ago on ship
board, and his face frightened.
81 have it," he said, delghtedly.
Tomorrow morning l shall buy her
the prettiest cat in Wien; you shall
see. That will comfort her"
The next morning found him in a
tiny store, far from the fine shops and
magnificent restaurants. 1t was
dingy little place, filled with bird-cages,
goldfish, tame rabbits and, in a back
room, cats and dogs, which eyed each
other warily, with occasional growls,
Kisses and barks.
The animal fancier was eXpatiating
upon the beauties of the cats that lay
in sleek and sleepy luxury about them,
and Herr DOrnheim was hesitating be-
tween a jet-blacli with topaz eyes and
a white one with a most engaging little
pink mouth, when he heard a low
moan of pain.
The face of the fancier turned a lit
tie more ashen, and there was pinch
ed look about his mouth as he said, in
answer to the glance of surprise:
1T is-a kitten that THAT found
in the alley. The boys and the dogs
had nearly done for her. and have
had no time-no, do not look at her!
She is a most unpleasant sight"
Herr Dornheim lifted the cloth. The
kitten was gray Angora, with very
curious markings, half-invisible now
in blood and dust, her fur torn, one
I paw mangled a small heap of misery
with no beauty save pair of beseech-
ing eyes, that she turned upon them
in almost human entreaty. The old
fancier stood wringing his hands in an
agony of misery that checked the
words that rose to his customers lips
81 found her only half an hour ago!"
he muttered. Il shall see if can do
anything for her; if not, the chloro.
form. Will mein herr take the white
or black one?"
Neither" answered Herr Dornheim
shortly. "I'll take this one," pointing
to the injured cat.
The man looked at him in blank
amazement. "But mein herr asked for
the most beautiful"
81 know" answered Herr Dorm
helm, "but I had not seen this one
then"
81 could not sell her, mein herr /
do not think she will live. 1t would
not be honest, and you said you wanted
the most beautiful for your little girl,
nicht?"
This one will be the most beautiful
to her."
The man said no more but put the
kitten into a wicker basket, with a
tiny comband brush, box of oint-
ment and package Of catnip.
"You may pay for these things but
not for the kitten. Tomorrow l will
sell you one"
Some strong emotion seemed to
overcome the old man, and he almost
hurried his purchaser away, his face
working and his hands trembling.
Herr Dornheim never doubted the
wisdom of his purchase until he stood
on his own steps. The kitten had not
moved Perhaps it was dead It
would be sorry jest to bring home
such an object to the homesick girl.
And what would Jaroslav say? It was
too late to turn back, for the girl had
been watching for him, and flung open
the door. And then, as he would have
explained, a plaintive wall from the
basket saved him the trouble.
20 uncle" she cried, delightedly,
you remembered? You have brought
me kitten-'the prettiest in Wien.'"
She took the basket from his hands,
and hurried into the sitting-room and
raised the cover. The forlorn atom
Of cathood raised herself, torn, bloody,
encrusted with dirt, the bruised paw
extended as If entreating aid, while
she put the other ON the edge of the
basket and loked straight into the pitt
full and bewildered eyes Of the girl.
Father" cried Jaroslav, impatient
ly, what were you thinking OFF" He
stopped at gesture from his father.
The girl had taken the kitten up so
gently that its fears vanished, and
with the basket under her arm, slip
ped away to wash and bind up the little
patient. Fortunately there were no
bones broken; bath removed the
blood and dust, and the hurt paw was
soon bound up. Wrapped in warm
flannel, while Hilda brushed and comb
ed the beautiful fur, the kitten gave
weary purr and fell asleep.
"My son." said the old man gently.
''if thy mother had lived thou wouldst
have known more of the mother heart.
There were many beautiful cats, but
bought the child the only one that
sorely needed her 1t is a small thing.
truly, but even the sorrow of a kitten
may help one to forget ones own
grief"
A few weeks later the kitten SEEM
ed in a fair way to substantiate her
little mistress's claim. and be the pref
test cat in Wien, after all. and Hilda
asked for the address OF the fancier,