Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1908-04-29
The Reward
BY z. D. Atkinson

hl-yi-yi-ki-yi!" yelped a little biac
dog, as he fled. from the missiles 9
Suburhanite Jones and lodged aroun
the corner of Neighbor Jackson's hous
into Philmot's tidy lawn.
Aaron Philmot, an eccentric bacE
elor of 45, was particularly proud o
his beautiful lawn, and Jones expecte,
the little stray dog to meet his doom
But Philmont was not brutal. AS tn
frightened canine rushed across tn,
lawn and leaped upon the porch. a ne
culiar compassion filed his heart. ant
he took the stranger into the house
That night as the kindly bachelor
sat beside the hearth and petted his
new-found friend, notice in the even
ing paper attracted his attention. II
read:
Lost Strayed or stolen.--A small
black dog with brown spot over the
left eye If found, advise anu receive
reward. ]. L., 121 B street"
The description tailed exactly with
Inc dog he had rescued. With feel
ing akin to sorrow, for his heart
onged for the affection manifested by
tne little fellow, Philmot went to his
desk and wrote, in his frank, bold
script
u. L.-Call at 29O6 9 street and
you may have the dog advertised in
this evenings paper as lost. Yours
truly, AARON PHu,MOTv
The following day he was surprised
10 receive a sweet-scented nhssive, adj
dressed by feminine hand, and
opening 1t, he read with some curios-
ity, the following:
Aaron Philmot, City.-Dear Sir.
VIII you please bring, or send. nv lit
Tie terrier to my address? A satisfac-
tory remuneration for your time and
trouble will be made. Yours truly,
Jesse LIE Seure"
With mingled feeling of trepidation
and anticipation, Philmot set out on
mis- errand the following evening, lust
as the twilight shades were falling.
Beside him, secured by small rome.
trudged the terrier.
AS it was quite long distance.
however, his f1uttering heart had some |
what regained its composure by the
time he reached the correct number on
b street, and he noted the surround
tngs as he sauntered up the brick walk
that led to the house 1t was small
house, set we'll back in the yard. and
the giant oaks cast gloom over it,
However a soft, mellow light from
within promised cheerful interior.
lie rang the door bell and listened.
In an instant he heard some one walk
ing, and a lady, opening the door, babe
him enter. She was middle-aged, but
her luxuriant brown hair had not the
slightest tinge of gray. Her face was
fair and full and her large eyes
brown, and withal she charmed the
bachelor of As as though he were a
schoolboy.
i have returned the terrier" he !
said, as he entered S
on, | am so glad" she answered, 9
'weetly. He saved me from death at g
ne time my husband was killed three 9
ears ago, and l am very much at
ached to him."
~ SOlFOl oallOH lIl6u QTlII6Q TO the is
ragedy and from there to current top be
cs. Ere he was aware of it two hours ar
ad flown, and yet he was 10th to go. /,
tut the mantel clock kept warning, I ;
nd with an effort he arose. -
Come again, Mr.. Philmot." she ~ ~
aid, with a most bewitching smile. q
with pleasure, If l may" he an
wered.
AS they stood by the door one eve.
Ing after the birds had retreated re
outward before the cold north wind. 1e
held her hand moment longer and 10
lzed intently into her face.
"A penny for your thoughts" she ga
oh
my thoughts?" he asked slowly but lei
nsely My thoughts we're of YOU. nc
was thinking of that 'ad.' read sew, ga
al months ago" so
What about it?" she asked
i want my reward" he answered do
rnestly. SCI
Now the little terrier is at home hol
long the beautiful shrubbery of Phil
IT'S suburban home. Neighbors
1es and Jackson eye the deg with =
and recall his masters ~
ldliness months before. ~