The Somerset reporter., 1908-03-12

Il dog IN full cay after flock of elusive
/ sparrows dashed past him
There could he no misaking that
head those clean eut shoulders. Tho
distinctive markings Of the neck and
flank. Ravenor started In pursuit Of
he dog
Here. you. Ptolemy, ptolemy! Come
here Come here. I say" he cried
The dog stopped. seemed 10 debate
for moment. then came toward Ra-
venor, wriggling his twisted stump of n
tail in ridiculous apology
"Nice way You deserted me this
morning. wasn't IT, said Ravcnor Sc
verely Come on with me nov No
more back yard orgies tor you unless
Rome one has an eye on YOU"
lie started homeward, the dog fol.
LOWING meekly at his heels but before
he reached the other side Of the park
he caught the quick Tread of light foot
falls IN agitatcd voice close lFhind
him was saying. oh. ! beg Nndr par
don
He swung about 10 find himself face
10 face with katherine Gray. Rlven1r
uncnnScionsly stiffencd. II was trifle
disconcerting to come thus abruptly
upon girl with whom he had quar-
relied but Il short week before-a girl
who before that quarrel had been the
subject OF his everyday dream.
The girl was equally surprised and
embarrassed. She caught her breath
in a little gasp, and the quick color
mounted her cheeks Almost instant
ly. however, she had recovered her
posp
I'm sorry to trouble you" she said
coldly. ~ merely came for my dog. l
saw he was following YOU
your dog" said Ravenor.
My dog she repeated.
Ravenor looked uncomfortable, but
he faced her reSolutely.
There must be mistake about
this" said he. I'm very sure he's
mine"
"Yours?"
Let me prove 1t to you. Fie knows
his name Here. Ptolcmy.'
The dog came obediently to Rave
nor's side. He sat down and looked
up expccnntly.
The girl gasped 81 don't under
stand It," she said. Now LET me try
the same proof Here, Caesar"
The dog lrotted over to her and re
peatcd his maneuvers
"Good heavc said Ravenor, utter
" bcWiidercd for the moment Then
suddenly he had an inspiration.
Did you buy him reeently?' he
asked
This afternoon' she confessed.
"Of a scedy, shifty eyed man.
She nodded.
Raycnor drew a long breath; then he
laughed THAT explains IT," he de-
clared Il bought him Of the same
man at this morning"
oh" said the girl; then she, too, fell
to laughing.
Come" said Rayenor at length. 'let
me walk home with you, and there
we'll decide who has the better claim
to Caesar or P,olemy, or whatever his
name Is.
It was long talk they had before a
roaring fire in the coy hall. 1t settled
many points besides the ownership of
the dog When ii was finished 1t was
twilight, and two very contented young
people were enjoying their rightful
heritage of happiness again.
And about tie dog?" Rayenor sng-
gested when he finally arose to leave.
"You take him" she said He's
really yours by right Of priority. You
bought him first"
"I'l tell YOU Raycnor said, with
conviction. Lets call him Ptolemy
Caesar and own him Jointly, and and
let's cr- well. TX il 80 We cnn have
him with us both, You know. VIII
yon Ka'hernc|
The girl fell TO laughing until the
tears rolled down her checks.
ooh, what way Of putting it, she
cried. but there was light in her
eyes that brought Ravonor to her side
And The newly ehrist"ned Ptolemy
Caesar leapcd about thcu with yelps
of iOy