The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-12
4 DOG and A CAT
By LOUISE OLIVER.

EEraWDerr1es out OF the Dig kettle on 70
four large platters on the table, and
turned out the burners OF the gaso-
line stove. She surveyed her morn
lng's work proudly.
Lifting one platter at a time in her
strong, white arms, she carried them
to 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 its
center.
Madeline, leaning over the water.
y heard whistle, and listened intently.
There's the steamer with the new ar
rivals at the dock. I wonder II Austin
Maycourt, the much-expected, Is
among them. Here / 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 few minutes, figure in blue
silk swimming suit and rubber cap
climbed to the top of the rail, gave a
little spring and disappeared like a
. knife blade under the smooth surface
\ of the water.
'Bravo!" cried young man in fan
nels, who had just appeared on the
island shore unseen by the water
nymph. THAT was a bully dive. by
Georgel Here Krist, come back, sir!"
to his dog. But Krist, q 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 smiling around for Tai, the Per-
sian cat, that Madeline had locked in
the dining room. But giving it up as
. bad job, he returned to the porch,
and, 10. 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
4 scream of dismay you nasty, horrid
beast. get out Of here! lid like to
kill you'll"
& "Krist, here, Kristl" And this time,
being satisfied, Krist went
Madeline went to the dance that
night in a belligerent mood. Nov,
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 gel
away. I'm sure 1t was Austin May
court, and that only makes 1t worse
He's spoiled and petted wherever he
goes, and he thinks the king can do nc
wrong"
That evening Austin Maycourt
asked for q dance after he had beer
presented, and Madeline refused, say
ing she was tired.
well, I'd rather sit it out with yor
anyway, If / may" he suggested.
Madeline did not answer.
Il take 1t that silence gives con
sent" as he sat down. you see, In
anxious to find out what my dog die
today"
She told him briefly and forciblyi
also what she thought of the whole
matter.
But you'll let me pay for the Der
ries, surelyi" he cried in consterna
ton.
sYou can settle with mother IL yo'
like, but gave up good game o
tennis for those berries, and can
see that you can help that much.
And, do what he could, Austin coul'
not make Madeline unbend.
The next day Madeline, armed will
her racquet, turned her boat for tn
mainland. In the stern sat Tai, tn
cat. You must be very good today
puss. Remember, you owe this vacs
ton to the cut on your paw that
want the doctor to see. And while In
playing tennis you must take ma
and be very quiet"
So Madeline played in double Sc
and Tai, with a bandaged foot. sler
near by. But by and by he woke u
and. feeling like exploring, slippe
away unnoticed by his mistress.
row OF cottages stood across the stree
from the court and several window
were open. Tai leaped through one
these. Then Madeline missed him.
"Puss, here, puss! Kitty, kitty, XII
kyl Oh, must find him." she cried.
She left the court and gave chase
ner pet. In the middle of the road st
met Austin Maycourt and bowed. b
before they passed Tai appeared wit
something green in his mouth. Aust
leaped for the cat and caught hir
taking a dead bird from his mouth.
Its Peter! MY pet parrakeet,"
cried I'VE let him run over the houl
because he was so tame. Poor lit
Peterl" stroking the lifeless lit
bunch of feathers.
Madeline wept softly as she touch'
the bird. I'm so sorry! It's all n
fault. l let my cat get away. 9
what can do to make up for it?'
"Be a little kind to me-" suggest
Austin promptly.
Il WILL" she promised Come ov
20 the boat and win give you c.