The Washington herald., 1911-07-30
COPYRIGHT BY JAMES ELvERsoN

COPYRIGHT BY JAMES ELVgRsON
@HAT was his name, but, as his owner
r often subsequently remarked, thsre
wasn't anything skinny about him
III except his tail. L..
stub, which might possibly have sug-
gestei the name. But as to that no one
could be positive, for Skimp was named when
Hi Martin came across him.
However, neither one was at all troubled
by either the abbreviated appendage or the
suggestive name. Such worries were too in
Skimp and Hi were sworn friends, too,
which meant a great deal as neither one
thing else. There were things in common
that accounted for the former
Skimp hal come from no one knew where,
and nobody had claimed him. Hi had about
done the same; his mother had, at least. She
Hi beionsod to to NOBODY but the the town. ~ ~
He tried not to belong to that for any
great length of time after he reached his
fourteenth year; then he ran away. In his
running he CHANGED upon Skimp, who was
dtion was evidently similar to his own.
At any rate Skimp stuck to his new pro-
tector. and the two drifted on to the. next
town No one ran after either one, and the
difference between them and the full -Hedged
article being that they simply. tramped about
the town, Hi doing odd jobs here and there,
making, his living as best he could, while
Skimp shared it all. rebuffs and crusts,
together with any chance pleasant word that
sometimes fell from kindly lips or dainty
from some kindly hands,
semi.miitary school. Behind its fence Skimp
and he spent many hours watching the evo-
lutions Of the boys, Hi wishing with all
the force q his nature that he could be one
OF them; ,Skimp naturally fell in with the
idea and became possessed of the same de-
sire. i one might judge by his aptness in
Hi sat about training him. In a remark
ably short space Of time Skimp was an
adcrt performer in quite an extended man
The little besgar is real smart, too"
said one Of the boys in the ranks, having
Observed tho drill from time to time.
Bob for ybt or d9s q@ersS 1PShfI 4Ss a.h
ing reply. "The boy, has acquire quite
military air. while the dog is simply i'm.
, .hat,s ,t;ti have them in some time," suggested
So, at the first opportunity, Hi and skimp
conpEshments to the students.
In that way Hi became acquainted with
and finally found his way to the school litch.
en-, whrc he and Skimp Jared sumptuouly
more than once after some of Skimp's most
pleasing performances.
The cog became great favorite from
that time. There was not a boy that did
not really wish that shmp was his own per.
sonal possession.
Larry Bennett was especially delighted with
him.
Pm going to buy him." he informed the
But he was too premature in his state.
ment.
II wouldn't let him 60 for no money"
raid Hi, Hes all I've got"
Hi doesn't know when he is well off.
I'd give him. fifteen dollars for him-more
than the animal is worth really, and more
the others. "I mean to have him, too"
l,1,t money was not going to buy him
Why Sklmp, my partner-sell him" ask
ed Hi. 81 couldn't do it,
Not if I'd help. you get into the school
here in some wayr aske1 Larry.
lie had OWNED His desire
His eyes felt misty, but he shook his head
and chung to .Skimp;, who returned the hug
ty sympathetically licking his face
We'll just give it all up and stick to-
,gcther,', said Hi stroking his head
But they did not stay together, One day
Sklmp did not return from his daily indie.
pendent foraging., Hi searched for him far
and near, but without success
Looks as il lie had gone for good, ell,
lh:' remarked Joe Waton, not unkin1ly.