The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-05-07

nelgh6orhood one day when l was eight wears
old His home being just across the street,
we could often hear him bowling plaintively, and
would pause in play to ask each other, in ex-
cited tones, if it were possible to rush over in =
body and rescue him from his tormentors. The
chief of these We decided, was small bow of three
who treated him boys of that age are apt to treat
their pets.
But before we had fully made UP our minds as to
the propriety of rash an act the little dog. as
though he knew and felt our kindly sentiments
toward him. came to claim the friendship and protec
ton we were only too ready to offer
One morning just as we were in the midst Of
wild game Of tag our attention was attracted bv sew
cral sharp barks outside the gate and as we ran
toward it. the sound of little paws scratching vipor
ously for admittance Quickly sliding the bolt. for
it was an odfashioned affair set in the brick wall we
opened just far enough to admit our heads and in
rushed Vic, while only few feet away were several
bad boys with sticks and string of tin cans that told
more plainly than words, the cause of the little fell
lows fright He stayed with us all day and would 7
think, have remained indefinitely if he had not been
sent for and forciby removed at supper time We
let him go reluctantly, and then crept I'D to the
third floor, where from the side windows we could
command fair view of our neighbours garden
Here we huddled together breathessy waiting with
beating hearts the first plantive yelp that we SUP
posed always betokened punishment.
After listening fully five minutes we were going
happily away, thankful to believe that he had es
capped this time, when the kitchen door opened and
! the hired man came out leading Vic bv strap which
he fastened to the foot-scraper
Then he went away and left him. but presently re-
turned carrying tub of water at sight of which Vic
began to shver and whine, and to bite savagely at the
strap with his sharp teeth
None of us could think what was going to happen
Tor we had never owned dog-untl WILL who was
five, suggested in awe-sruc tones that they might be
going to drown him because he had run away
We trembled at the thought, and when the man
unfastened his collar and threw him into the tub.
shrieked aloud and chung to each other despairngy
This brought mother in frantic haste from the floor
below. and seeing all hudded together by the open
window, she Immediately imagined that one of us had
fallen out.
who is it? What is it?" she gasped, dashing toward
TITS Vic" walled in chorus "he's getting drowned
cause he came over to play with us to-day.
She took in the situation at glance, and having
counted us, to be that none was missing kissed
and cuddled us while she explained that the little dog
was only having bath.
The next afternoon, when we had been washed and
NeSSSo anu seliI 10 SIT on the front porch we made
the acquaintance of little neighbor and future
playfellow
Vic, who had been lying quiet at his masters feet
previous to arrival sooner caught sight of us
than across the street he and welcomed us with
joyful barks and every evidence of delight
We tried our best to make him 60 back and scolded
him roundy for deserving his post but he calmly sat
down beside and refused to obey This shameful
behavior on his part made feel so badly that we
decided to send delegation ask the little boy to
come over on our steps and play
The invitation gladly accepted and from thai
hour the generous lad willingly shared his pet with
And in all the world there was never milder OF
better tempered dog and he would submit to amos
any treatment rather than be left out of games
On rainy days TO play in the third-stor.
where had of the olliest times of lives
Vic and his little master had been allowed ito come
over, and we deep in several absorbing
games.
The twins busy in the corner playing dolls,
while the rest of US went rowing on the old loung
with bed Stats for oars. Vic was lying close by al
parenfly paying attention to Them but all the viii
furious Jealousy was raging in his dogge breast
RE knew what he would do with Rag Mary whc
Mamie was tired Of her and put her down.
Win, whose interest in boat had been tagging f
some time. deserted and went to the twins