The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-04-05
HE KNEW WHEN SUNDAY CAME,

The following short story is taken
from Our Dumb Animals, and is by
Rev. Felix X. Strive, former pastor
OF the First NJ L. church, South, Of
this city:
A few years ass, or, to be more ex.
act, in August, 1902, whilst pastor in
the little city of c, the follow.
ing incident came under my obscr.
walton. To those who are interested
in dumb animals the story will not be
without appreciation.
| Mr.. III was a member of my
official board, and served as Sunday
school superintendent He was the
proud owner of a splendid Scotch
collie, bearing the name Sport. This
dog was most affectionate, obedient
and seemed to possess an intelligence
little short of human.
1t was the custom of the owner, Mr.
M, six days of the week, to go
to his place of business each morning
at o'clock. Sport was always at the
heels of his master, and was an obe-
dent and faithful servant in carrying
the mail that might be coming to the
home. No temptation, no offer OF
tempting morsel of food, would divert
Sport from the prompt and faithful
delivery of his mail, or other pack
ages.
Every Sunday morning it was the
custom of Mr. M--- to atten,- the
Sunday school. Sport was not in
vited or permitted to follow his master
on this visit He seemed to under
stand that he was not wanted or
needed; no attempt was made to fol-
low his master on Sunday morning
However on Sunday afternoon. wea-
ther permitting, Sport and his mas
ter were accustomed to visiting the
cemetery one mile out in the suburbs
The hour for this short tramp was al
ways promptly at 2:3O o'clock.
was guest in the home for noon
day luncheon on this particular day in
August, 1902. 1t was my purpose to
learn for myself, to see for myself,
the alleged evidences of intelligence
attributed to my friends dog,
AT precisely 1925 by the clock oa
the mantel, Sport began a low, rather
musical whine, followed with a slight
scratching on the screen door.
Just as the clock struck the half
hour, the dog jumped to his hind feet,
placing his fore paws against the
screen door, and with a back of SEEM
ing joy, called his master.
At once Mr.. Al and myself
went out upon the porch, the dog
running down the walk, on the direct
way to the cemetery. | was twice an
eye witness of this same procedure
In both instances the conduct varied
not in the smallest degree.
l am fully persuaded in my own
mind that Sport knew by some process
when Sunday came.
Some additional words: Ten years
after the occurrences herein described,
received a letter from my longtime
friend, Mr.. NJ. He had removed
to Oklahoma. Previous to his going
he had arranged for the care of his
faithful Sport until age should call
him hence, with a nearby friend. This
compact was made in the presence Of
the dog.
The household goods had been ship
ped. Tickets had been purchased and
baggage checked, and within an hour
the journey TO the far west was TO be.
gin. Sport was not to be found Long
search discovered him far back under
the floor OF the barn. Sport had fin
ished his mission and the long sleep
was upon him.
Did he know, by some mysterious
way not familiar TO as, of the contem-
plated separation from his master?
Did sorrow break his heart and cause
an untlmely end2 Who knows2
II he knew when Sunday eame-and
who viii dispute it-might he not have
had an intuition as to his masters
going away from himi believe he
knew