The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-06-02
A Home
For Harriett.
By FRANK H. WILLIAMS.
Copyrighted, 1862 by Associated

Harriet was a peculiar name for Il
cat; but, then, Harriet was a peculiar
cat Roger Webster surveyed her
ouizzicaly as she lay in the sun on the
boarding house steps.
"Any feline but Harriet" he de-
clared, "would at least feel mildly per-
turbed at the prospect of losing home
and mistress"
you'd think So wouldn't you!" an
swered Bessie Roberts. Bessie was
very pretty and wholly charming, but
at the present time a little frown of
anxiety wrinkled her forehead.
81 simply don't know what to do
about it," she continued. "The land
lady says that I've got to get rid Of
Harriet, and l can't find any other
place so convenient to my work where
1 can live. l SUPPOSE suppose" she
added wistfully, "that / shouldn't be
so foolish over Harriet, but in some
way she seems the only link between
today and the other life. With all my
people gone and Harriet some othef
place in this big city I'd feel too aw-
fully, miserably lonely"
Roger saw that Bessie was near
tears. "Poor, lonesome kiddie," he
thought And leaning over, he stroked
Harriet very carefully Harriet arch.
ed her back, purred and rose slowly to
her feet Then, turning round, she
jumped squarely into Rogers lap.
"What a sensible cat!' Roger smiled
at the girl You see, she likes me
very much If only every one-that is,
some one-liked me very, very much"
He glanced at the girl slyly. A little
flush had spread over Bessies face,
and she kept her eyes fixed steadfastly
on the cat.
81 only wish they allowed cats in
my boarding house, he continued.
That's one Of the troubles of living in
a boarding house-you don't get the
real, simon pure comforts of home.
Now, I'll tell you what We'll do,' he
| cried, jumping to his feet. we'll take
Harriet with US and go on tour of
| inspection in this neighborhood. Well
| hunt up a nice. quiet street where
there are little cottages instead of big
houses, and when we see a nice,
honey comfortable housewife in one
of the homes We'll go in and ask her
to keep Harriet for u.s.
"For us?" queried the girl, with a
little laugh.
Sure" continued Roger, unabashed
"You don't think Harriet belongs to
you alone do you? think Harriet
| would resent any such idea as that.
She likes me too well. and like her
| too we'll No, indeed, have minor
| ity interest in this cat"
The girl laughed and rose to her
feet.
"Well, come along" she said. 81 sup,
pose it's the best think we can do, and
be able to find lots Of the people
| home"
.
Roger helped the girl down the
steps, and, calling to Harriet. they
walked down the street. Harriet big
sleek and black. followed decorously
enough until they reached a small
rather obscure cross street.
Roger happened to be looking back
as they crossed this street and discov.
cred Harriet very sedately amblins
down the little thoroughfare.
"Come here, Harriet" Roger called
and then whistled to the cat.
Harriet paid not the slightest atten
ton, but continued her sedate WALL
away from Roger and the girl. Bessie
called, but even to her Harriet PAID
no attention.
well. declarew cried the girl ii
surprise. Harriet has always beer
peculiar. but she has never acted like
this before
Let's follow her and see where sht
goes" cried Roger. perhaps she /.
. looking for a home or perhaps she ha!
a home already picked out"
"All right" said Bessie.
They turned back and fastened aft
| er HARRIET, who was now about
fourth of block ahead. The stree
was quiet one. Neither Roger no
Bessie was familiar with 1t and hat
paid but little attention to 1t In preyi
Gus times.
Now. however they glanced curious
ly at the small, rather cozy house
! which lined the sides. Although erect
3 ed within recent years. they were al
e most old fashioned by compariso
\ with the big buildings on the more in
n portant streets near by. 1t seemed a
! If the little street was mere eddy /
!. the swirling life and progress a
= around it,
ooh, like this streetv' cried Bessie
at appeals to me. too" declare
Roger, with conviction
J. For several blocks they followe
# Harriet. who continued her stead
II course. AT last they saw the cat tur
n into gate in charming stone fenc,
) and they fastened after her.
The fence inclosed q cozy little co
tage, well set back from the sidewall
: In the yard were couple of trees,
. flower bed or two and delightfl
nath har6erad hy, n low hodoa 1Y.tjo