Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1913-07-10
His Masters Step.

| ing and remembering tnat tne roonS Oh
the Animal Rescue League were near by,
picked him up, and soon had the pleasure
of seeing him in comfort for the first time
in his difficult little life.
"Might look at the dogs, too 2" |
asked, as | returned 10 the office. 81
should so like to see them"
So we went upstairs, and saw the
long row Of small apartmentS-each with
its patient, bright-eyed occupant. Most
plainly remember the dog at the end OF
the row. The doors are hung few
inches above the floor for ventilation, and
saw his little black nose poked under
his door as soon as We reached the top OF
The stairs.
"This dogs master is out of town for
two weeks" said the man, as he patted
the curly black head, "on some sort Of
pleasure trip. He left the dog in our
care. He has been gone six days now,
and the poor chap has hardly eaten one
good meal in all that time. He just lies
here with his nose to the door, listening
for his masters STEP"
"Let me take him home," said. "I'm
sure could make him happier than this"
81 doubt ifit would make any difference
with him." said the man. Besides,
don't think we could LET you. We are
supposed TO fulfil our side of the arrange
ment."
He closed the door and we wandered
on. Just before we went down again,
there was another step on the stairs. ]
turned TO the door at the end Of the row.
From under il came the little black nose,
shifting, shifting, in uncomfortable excite
ment. II was only an attendant; but the
black nose remained there, just visible
below the door, as long as could see
while the faithful animal patiently waited
for the next step.
About a week later had occasion to
60 to the Animal Rescue League again.
had not forgotten the Especial case"
upstairs, and asked if might 60 up TO
see him. "Oh, yes, if you like" said
the man, and up we went again.
The first thing that saw was the little
black nose poked out from under The
door, eagerly, excitedly shifting. AS we
went nearer. the shifting gradually ceased.
1t was for another step that the devoted,
loyal little creature had lain there waiting,
with his nose 10 The door, for two long
weeks.
"Why do people have animals II they
can't take care of them ?" said, bitterly.
ooh, | suppose they don't realize what
this sort OF thing may mean," returned
the man, charitably.
When we came down some one was
waiting at the foot of the stairs. His face
was serious as he stepped aside TO LET us
pass.
"Why, it's you, Mr.. BarrowI" said the
man, with relief in his face. "Well,
there's one who'll be glad to see you
back %
turned boldly round and followed Mr..
Barrow upstairs. heard the shifting,
shifting from the corner, and heard Mr..
Barrow make low, chirruping sound
behind his lips. heard what sounded
like the hopping, scnnying, jumping,
stamping, of twenty small feet. The
black nose came pushing out from nnder
the door with wild, beseeching little
SnortS and yelps and barks.
The man opened the door and stepped
back. With one pitiful, eager cry, the
little dog plunged out. Weak and half
starved as he must have been, there was
no sign OF il in his welcome home"
He rushed recklessly at the big man, and
then he staggered back and plunged
again. He showered kisses Of forgive
ness on the well-loved face, and he claw
ed affectionately at the protecting arms.
! brushed furtively at my eyes, and the
big man, think, brushed at his eyes,
too.
"There-there-boy," came his low
Voice, just little shaken, perhaps, "steady
now. guess well stick together after
this, won't we ?"
AS went down the stairs, caught a
last glimpse Of them. The dog Ieaped
down from his masters arms. He pranc-
ed across the room and Tapped loudly and
gaily from pan of milk. while his tail
wagged in ridiculous jerks. Then he
pranced back again, and took one high
and glorious leap back to the masters
arms once more.-The Youths Compdn-