Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-02-12

- neighborhood one day when I was eight wears
old. His home being just across the street,
could often hear him bowling plaintiveIy. and
would pause in play to ask each other, in ex-
cited tones il II possible to rush over in a
body and him from his tormentors. The
chief of these, decided. was small boy OF three
who treated him boys of that age apt treat
their pets
But before We had fully made up minds as 70
the propriety Of so rash an act the little dog as
toward him, claim the friendship and protcc-
ton we were only too ready to offer
One morning, just as we were in the midst of
wild game OF tag, attention attracted by sew
erai sharp barls outside the gate and as we ran
toward it. the sound OF little paws scratching vigor-
ously for admittancc Quickly sliding the bolt, for
it old-fashioncd affair in the brick wall
opened it just far enough admit heads and in
rushed Vic, while only a few feet away several
bad boys with sticks and string OF tin that told.
plainly than words, the OF the little fell
lows fright. He stayed with all day and would,
think, have remained indefinitely if he had been
sent for and forcibiy removed at supper time. We
let him go reluctantly, and then crept up the
third floor. where from the side windows could
command fair view OF our neighbors garden
Here huddled together breathlessly waiting with
beating hearts the first plantive ycp that we sup
posed always betokcned punishment
After listening fully five minutes We were going
happily away thankful to believe that he mad
capped this time when the kitchen door opened, and
the hired man came leading Vic by 4 strap which
he fastened the foot-scraper.
Then he went away and lett him. but presently re-
turned carrying tub Of water at sight of which Vic
began shiver and whine. and bite avagey the
strap with his sharp teeth.
None of Us could think what was going to happen
for we had never owned a dog-unti VIII, who
five suggested in avc-struck that they might be
We trcnbed at the thought and when the man
1lnfastened his collar and threw him into the tub,
shrieked aloud and chung to each other dcsparingly
This brought mother II frantic haste from the floor
below and seeing all hudded together by the open
window, she Immediately imagined that of Us had
fallen
"Who IS it: What is t." she gasped, dashng toward
It's Vic" We walled in chorus "hes getting drowned
cause he came over to play with to-day.
She took in the situation at glance, and having
counted us, be that was missing kissed
and cuddled while she explained that the little dog
was only having bath.
The next afternoon when we had been washed and
dressed and the front porch made
the acquaintance OF little neighbor and future
playfellow.
Vic, who had been lying quiet at his masters feet
previous to arrival, caught sight OF US
than across the street he tore and welcomed with
joyful barks and every evidence OF delight.
We tried our best to make him 60 hack and scolded
him roundy for deserving his post but he calmly sat
down beside US and refused obey. This shameful
behavior his part made feel badly that We
decided send q delegation to ask the little boy to
come over steps and play.
The invitation was gladly accepted and from that
hour, the generous lad willingly shared his pet with