The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-01-19
Peter the Wicked
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AS we drew near the corner OF our
own street. blisstully t-eading our
pleasant hOmeWard way, and already
enjoying in anticipation the old-fasa-
toned sage pudding-with raisins in
It that Alicia had promised to have
for desert that very night, certain
dog sOlemnly emerged from the
gloom, seized the evening paper with
a gusty sort of sigh, and then trotted
ahead, the very picture Of mournfal
resignation, ears Tapping in a dismal
manner and tail trailing along behind
at the most melancholy angle imagiu
able.
why, Fido." We cried, in rich,
manly bass voice. Why, Fido!"
But Fido never faltered. He seem
ed rather il some mysterious way to
give his fat old back an ominous as
pect, as if here was a dog who sell
dom complained, but when he was put
upon, it was far too serious bust
ness to be smoothed over by a few
fne words.
And vainly was it also that we bent
over-as we walked-and gave him
pat. And vainly was it that we sound
ed an alarm against mythical cat.
And vainly, to0 did we walk faster.
emitting encouraging noises and try
ing to warm Fido into the exuberance
Of gallop; for although he had to
twinkle his desperate old legs at an
Incredible speed to preserve his trot,
his ears only tapped in a still more
dismal manner and his tail trailej
along behind more abjectly.
Thereupon, strangely disturbed, and
fearing we knew not what, we ran
up our front steps, land were much
relieved to find Alicia waiting just in
side the hall to give us our customary
good one. But even as we went
through this pleasing little ceremony,
Peter lodged from behind Alicia's
skirts, up-ended, tapped Fiio on his
nose, and then trotted into the dining
room with an impudent wave Of his
tail, while Fido dropped the paper.
the better to look lugubrious, as he
mutely invited us to bear witness to
this outrage.
"Whatever's the matter with Pet
err" we demanded, as soon as we
could catch our breath. Poor OH"
"Sh!" cautioned Alicia, in a whisp-
or, while loud purring noise sound
cd from the dining room, as if there
was cat who was not afraid OF any
dog that ever lived. Don't encourage
them. George. I'm trying to get them
70 make friends again"
Make fraeuds?" we cried, as Fido
looked at us in sad-eyed wonder at
our neglect to tell the shameful Peter
what we thought of him. Make
friends?"
YES" said Alicia, raising her dear
little eyebrows and shaking her head.
i've had the awfullest day with them.
But never mind. Dinners ready, and
I've got such q pudding"
So down we sat-as soon as we could
manage it-and tried to give ourselves
Up to the enjoyment OF thinking about
he pudding and listening to Alicia's
evening budget Of news; but when.
,ver our eye wandered over to Fido, :"
hat faithful old prince sighed, and !
he more he sighed the more Peter /
|trutted round him, purring loudly. IT.
'itating Fido with his tail, walking on |
he tips Of his toes to look large and
IMPOSING, and staggering in his gait
vhenover Fido relieved himself of a
eloquent sound of sorrow.
rs he looking at you?" asked ALI
IL. Throw him bit of meat,
3eorge, to cheer him up I've had the !
Iwfullest time with them today.
10u've no idea"
Accordingly, VIC threw Fido a bit
4 meat to cheer him up; but Peter
Intercepted It nonchalantly, mean
vhile making a feint at Fido's nose.
md then eating the meat with such
noise that Ffdo almost wept. Then
'eter resumed his bullying walk
ound the long-suffering F1do, pushing
'gainst him at times as If he would
ust as soon shove Fido out Of the
Dom as look at him.
Don't say anything" whispered
knAa "hut throw him another hit 0f |