Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-08-04

DR. ROSS WETHERTON stopped his black horse
- in front Of Jed Smiths farmhouse With grin
pushing his cap to the back of his head Jed
shambed down the path to meet him.
so We coined after all. he said slowly. Couldn't
We get nowhere ese:"
Niggar pranced under the medical mans tightening
fingers The doctor had patience with Jed's type.
mo, couldn't get one anywhere else, he sald land
I've got to give you twenty-five dollars for dog that
isn't worth one.
Smith leaned back against the rotten gatepost Il
knowed we wouldn't find dorgs in this part OF the
country That's why said Chatter Pate be worth the
money"
Wetherton slipped his hand into his pocket. "Well,
give him to me, then, and let go" he said.
Without moving his body, Jed waggled his head
toward the house: Easier said than DONE he replied
"The dorg by rights belongs to my stepkd but the
kid eats under my roof guess kin say what to be
did with his dorg amt spoke to Little Pat about it
yit cause ye wasn't sure
thing in the insoent face, with lazy, dropping eyeds
made him feel like flashing the fellow with his whip
Speak to him then he exclaimed. I'm in hurry"
Wetherton watched the numbering form detach itself
from the post and move away toward the house. His
eyes took in the hills far off toward the SOUTH and for
few seconds he allowed his gaze to dwell upon them
change to the hl-boTn man. He was tired of the city
whirl tired Of ismeling rooms, tired of everything
his profession. That one thing he loved. The
thought made him speak aloud
Il couldn't stand such long time with nothing to do
yet must stay The mountain air will do the poor baby
a world of good. | simply must have pup! Strange
q
for stealing one-wcll, not for me!'
led SMITH had disappeared at the back Of the house.
Two minutes later ne again in sight followed by
barefooted ten-year-old youngster with patched
trousers and ragged shirt. The boy had sunburned
skin and curly light hair, and was sturdily built His
eyes blue the midsummer sky.
Behind the lad trailed small black and yellow dog
with patch of shaggy hair almost hiding his eyes.
Catching sight of the stranger he barked vocerousy
and the boy showed him backward with his foot.
Wetherton noticed that the dog barred set of sharp
teeth when Jed Smith stopped to pick him up. The
trio halted at the gate Jed loungng again the post
"There's the dorg. Mister and there's the kid what
it, said he I'm thinkin yell have much of
a with tother. don't as long as get
the money Do we hear that, Pat?"
The boy dug big toe deep into the clay, looked slyy
at his sepfaher, then up from under heavy lashes at
Dr. Wetherton. AT length he asked sulky aWhat does
we want with Chatter Pate, Alister?"
Jed Smiths boot flew out; but the boy agicly escaped
it. "Taint of yer business what the gentleman
wants with the dorg, sassy brat Give the to him.
and let him go!"
Wetherton turned his horse about "On second
thought" said he to the boy, Il think you may bring
him my house tonight. Do you know where live?"
Back yonder on the HILL replied Pat dts big
house amt it, with long porches around it,"
"Yes, that's mine Bring the dog at nine o'clock.
MIR. Smith, you'll get your money when the dog is de-
vcred to me-"