New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-13
SOPHIE'S CUDDLES
Freeda Marshall.
"A Tribune Junior Forum reader)

"A Tribune Junior Forum readerJ
Sophie, a little fair haired girl, lived In
the northern part OF Holland with her
older sister, Gretchen. Sophie was only
six years old. but was Obliged TO do many
household duties since her dear mother
died eight months ago. Gretchen went
out washing during the day 10 earn
enough money 10 support her little sister
and herself One day. when Sophie was
scrubbIng the wooden doorsteps, some
thing ran across the stoop and up
set the nice, fresh soapsuds. Much pro-
voked, the little lady ran around the
house 10 see the miscreant. To her sur
Iuise and pleasure a little fox terrier
bounded toward her. She hunted around
for the owner, but no one was In sight
There was a leather collar on the puppy,
with metal plate inscribed "Cuddles'
Pattins the newcomers head Sophie 'an
In the house with him. Soon he was
tapping up a saucer of milk. which WAS
10 have been sophie's dinner. Il can live
until Gretchen comes" was her remark,
Perhaps she will bring some ginger
bread too" Then the little maid heated
more water and was soon scrubbinS the
her. who by the way felt perfectly 1t
home.
When Gretchen came home that night
no little girl came TO kiss her at the gate.
Going inside she was astonished 20 see
Sophie teaching a dog to sit up" and
beg" Gretchen kissed the child and
asked her where she found her pet and
all about 1t.
When they had eaten their supper they
went through the village trying 20 find
the dogs master. At last they turned
back, for no one claimed IT, Sophie re-
ioiced inwardly. for she really had be
come attached to Cuddles Later,
Gretchen said: I'VE will not be able to
buy any dainties for Cuddles, but will
divide our food with him" Days passed
by. and Sophie quite forgot about any
one claiming her pet. But one sad day
came, when cruel law was passed stat
ing that all dogs without licenses would
be taken TO the pound and killed. The
bad bad men," sighed Sophie, I'm have
to get 81 for a license" Then she re-
membered that Gretchen's work was
slack and they had scarcely enough
money for food, and there were only six
days left to get the money! She ran from
cottage to cottage asking II they had any
work for her to do. The fifth day came
and Sophie had only 70 cents. She was
sitting on a stone at the roadside think
ing OF how she had walked two miles to
the postoffice to get Mr.. Schmidt his mail,
and how, when she told him there was
none, he slammed the door in her face.
Then, too, she thought OF how hard she
had worked to earn two shillings from
Widow Lutz. There was no other person
for her TO approach. Sophie was not
child to cry at trivial things. but at the
thought OF losing her little Cuddles she
sobbed bitterly. Just then an automobile
broke down In the road, and boy about
sophie's size ran up to her Hello!
What's the natter" he called out, then
he came over and sat by her side.
Ashamed OF having been caught crying
Sophie started away. The boy, however
said: Don't be afraid. please, Won't
you tell me what's the trouble?" He
looked so earnest that she decided 10 tell
him. IT'S Cuddles. you see she sobbed,
and told him all about II. At the word
Cuddles the boy jumped up. "Oh. It's my
Cuddles whom We lost a year ago! re
jumped OFF the auto and ! couldn't find
him.! Please take me to hlm!"
shouted the lad. Sophie sorrowfully
led him to the house "Cuddles, my
shoulder" ordered the boy. and with a
happy bark the dog jumped upon his
shoulder In the midst Of this the boys
mother came running in. oh! you
naughty boy" she said, where have you
been, and oh! you have found Cuddles!"
Harold then told his mother how Il hap
pened. and Sophie -obbed. My Cuddles,
goodby." But Mrs. richards Harold's
mother. said: "Whei~.s mother, dear
child Are you all alonsr' Sophie then
told her about Gretchen and how they
lived with the meagre salary she earned.