Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-09-14

retorted. HIS nerves were beginning
to feel the strain. u don't think
they are hungry, though More than
likely they will stop barking before
long"
And TO certain extent II came
about as he prophesied. A little lat
er the bowling ceased and during the
frst part OF the evening there was
period OF blissful silence
Or perhaps 1t would be nearer the
truth TO call Il an intermission. Ap-
parently they had paused TO hold a
consultation over their grievances
That being over. they commenced
barking again with vigor and fresh
ness that was little short OF wonder
full
1T sounds louder than II did this
afternoon" exclaimed Mrs. Briggs.
why don't you go out and try to
quiet them?"
Ready to try anything, the minister
went forth into the darkness.
No wonder they make more noise,
he said. as he re-entered the library.
If there are twenty-five dogs inside.
there must be at least fifty outside.
Very likely all the dogs within a rad
ius OF three miles are clustered around
our yard"
Il don't see what we are going TO
do" sighed Mrs. Briggs.
Her husband was silent; he also
failed to see what they were going to
In ufn In ha
house-he could see that-and II be-
gan to look as II there would be no
end of trouble before the dogs were
finally assigned to their permanent
homes.
You might open the doors and let
them out" suggested Mrs. Briggs.
Probably every ono OF them would go
10 the place he came from"
DO you think so?" asked the min
lister eagerly.
He had lost sight OF the lesson he
was going to teach. The original
problem had been crowded out BY
new one. and his sole desire was to
which was turning the night into
hideous dream.
I'll try IT," he declared
Lighting n lantern. he made his way
out to the barn and opened the stall
doors. From there he went 10 the
hen yard and swung back the gate.
by that time the dogs we're so thick
that Mr. Briggs was surrounded on
all sides rs he moved toward the eel
lar
At the hatchway there was more
trouble waiting for him. The mastiff
vas naturally rather irritable. and his
confinement had been bad for him
and incidentally. for Mr. Briggs
Since the minister was the first
thing the dog saw when he came out.
he began to pinch that gentleman's
shins in a most aggravating manner
Mr. Briggs started OF down the street
on the run. with the mastiif after him
and with the other seventy-four
dogs after the mastiff
II was an exciting chase They all
enjoyed it-except Mr. Briggs He
was kept so busy lodging dogs and
mud holes that he could give very
little time TO pleasure. Occasionally,
too. one OF the dogs would take
souvenir out OF the wearing apparel.
much to his chagrin and discomfort.
While all this was taking place.
Mrs. Briggs was waiting for the return
OF her husband. She had heard the
last departing yelp OF the dogs. Then
refreshing quiet had settled on the
house Nor was that quiet broken by
any step on the porch or rattle OF the
door knob.
II was broken instead by the ring.
ing OF the bell. and when Mrs. Briggs
jerkcd back the door. Historically,
there were two men standing outside
IA bluc-coated Individual and what
was left OF Mr. Briggs
This man says he belongs here"
said the policeman.
why, what has happened?" cried
Mrs Briggs
Don't be alarmed, my dear re-
piled the minister. smiling weakly
Il experienced some difficulty in get
ting the dogs started in the right d.
rection."
lie was still carrying the lighted
lantern
Copyright 1917 By Associated Literary
Press)