The Spectator., 1916-05-26
A DOG AND A CAT
By LOUISE OLIVER.


 strawberries out of the big kettle on to four large platters on the table, and turned out the burners of the gaso- line stove She surveyed her morn ing's work proudly.
 Lifting one platter at 8 time in her strong, white arms, she carried them to a bench on the back deck of the houseboat on which the CardwellS spent four months every summer
 On an island short distance below, was Greenglade, a fashionable summer resort, with an immense hotel in it's center.
 Madeline, leaning over the water. heard whistle, and listened intently. There's the steamer with the new ar rivals at the dock. I wonder if Austin | Maycourt, the much-expected, IS among them. Here I am up to my ears preserving berries for mother to give as Christmas gifts to our rela- tives next winter. and every other girl within a radius of ten miles is primp- ing for the dance tonight.
 In a few minutes, figure in blue silk swimming suit and rubber cap climbed to the top of the rail, gave little spring and disappeared like knife blade under the smooth surface of the water.
 'Bravo!" cried a young man in flan- nels, who had just appeared on the island shore unseen by the water nymph. That was a bully dive, by George! Here Krist, come back, sir!' to his dog. But Krist, a big wolf hound, was in the water headed for the boat and refused to turn.
 Madeline. swimming under water. came up on the opposite bank, then turned and to her horror saw a dog swimming for dear life toward the boat. My berries!" she cried in dis may and plunged instantly into the wa ter again. If he gets there first he'll ruin them!"
 But the dog won the race! Just at first. he didn't see the berries, but kept sniffing around for Tai, the Per- sian cat, that Madeline had locked in the dining room. But giving it up as a bad job, he returned to the porch, and, To, the berries, A long, red tongue shot out and he tasted, he Tapped awhile, essayed another search for the cat, and then returned to sam- pie another platter.
 Madeline pulled herself up the steps and saw the devastation of her mornings work She gave a little scream of dismay. You nasty, horrid beast, get out of here! I-Td like to kill you!"
 'Krist. here, Krist!" And this time, being satisfied. Krist went.
 Madeline went to the dance that night in a belligerent mood. Now, dear" admonished her mother, who had returned, be careful what you do and say
 "Oh, mother, dear, pigeonhole that particular lecture, please. That man had no business to let his dog get away. I'm sure it was Austin May court, and that only makes it worse. He's spoiled and petted wherever he goes, and he thinks the king can do no wrong"
 That evening Austin Maycourt asked for a dance after he had been presented, and Madeline refused, say ing she was tired.
 Well, I'd rather sit it out with you anyway. if I may" he suggested.
 Madeline did not answer.
 q take it that silence gives con- sent" as he sat down. You see, I'm anxious to find out what my dog did today"
 She told him briefly and forcibly; also what she thought of the whole matter.
 But you'll let me pay for the ber- ries, surely!" he cried in consterna- tion.
 You can settle with mother if you like. but l gave up . good game of tennis for those berries, and I can't see that you can help that much" And, do what he could, Austin could not make Madeline unbend.
 The next day Madeline, armed with her racquet, turned her boat for the mainland. In the stern sat Tai. tho cat. You must be very good today, puss. Remember, you owe this vaca- tion to the cut on your paw that l. want the doctor to see. And while I'm playing tennis you must take a nap and be very quiet"
 So Madeline played in double set and Tai. with a bandaged foot, slept near by. But by and by he woke up and. feeling like exploring, slipped away unnoticed by his mistress. A row of cottages stood across the street from the court and several windows were open. Tai leaped through one of these. Then Madeline missed him. Fuss, here, puss! Kitty, kitty, kit ty! Oh, must find him." she cried. She left the court and gave chase to her pet. In the middle of the read she met Austin Maycourt and bowed. But before they passed Tai appeared with something green in his mouth. Austin leaped for the cat and caught him. taking dead bird from his mouth.