Williams news., 1917-12-27

time, third. Tige seemed determinec to get his master to follow him some where. Joel became wrathy and pick ed up a switch, but Tige did not allow his master to get near enough to ei. ther punish or catch him.
 Another stubborn critterr' puffeG and panted Joel, after he had thus GOV. cred a mile. Then, as Tige crossed the crest of hill and came in sight of the house where Mrs. Blake was 8 guest, he delivered a resounding whoor of satisfaction and delight and scudded fleet as a hare, for his quarryI
 "Well. I'll be fiummuxedl" fairly yelled Joel as, following the animal with his glance he saw Tige reach the home of his daughter-in-law, leap the fence at a single bound and disappear The old man rubbed his chin and scowled grimly. Tige wanted his mis- tress, that was sure. Slowly the lips of Joel puckered into a resolute knot
 He's my dog and I'll have him' he uttered harshly. "I bought him, raised him. She shan't have him. She1 be down to cart the furniture away next. Nor sir-e-eeI'' So, fully reso lute, Joel started down the dusty coun- try road. He reached the fence that Tige had vaulted. Ten feet beyond it seated on the grass fondling Tige and crying at the same time, was his wife.
 Excuse me, madam,' roared out Joel, 'but you've got my dog there and I want him !''
 Nancy f1uttered Then the unfeeling challenge rolled her
 eff you want your dog you'll have to come and get him." she retorted snappily.
 'T'll do just that" announced Joel. He got astride the fence, cleared it and made for Tige, who covered and whim- pered as he was seized by the collar.
 Nancy could not stand the test. Her lips quivered, her eyes grew moist.
 Pretty hard man, you, Joel Blake" she said, 'to take away a creature who might be a comfort to me in my dis tress !"
 ''Aha! distressed, are your? Joel braved it. although the sight of Nancy had inwardly aroused the old tender ness. "Not so fine living away from home, hey? Right here we'll settle this dog question. He can take his choice" and he loosed hold of the collar "Hi, Tige!"
 The animal crawled to his feet, but crouched there. whimpering back at Mrs. Blake like a pleading child.
 Come on '" ordered Joel. and strode on.
 "Tige!" uttered Mrs. Blake in bro- ken accents. And then Tige did strange thing. He went over to Mrs. Blake, seized her dress between his teeth and pulled her towards Joel.
 "Wants you to come home, eh?" Nancy, so do I, if you're so inclined"
 Always your own wayl' sobbed Nancy. 'Yes, for the sake of the fam fly, to stop gossip I'll give in. Yes, and I'll forgive you"
 Forgive what?" exploded Joel, on the war path again.
 "Your capers in the city.'
 "Hey?"
 "Oh, I've found out !! Read that. and forget it, as I'll try to do.''
 She handed her husband the news paper item which she had preserved, and Joel Blake read:
 "An unusually festive visitor of the POmpeian Cabaret, after wining and dining the dancers, fell into the rain- bow fountain and did considerable damage to the electric lights. He was fined $25 and costs by Judge Garter in the police court this morning. From letters found in his wallet he is Joel Blake, of Hudson, farmer, who will probably return to the home acres a sadder and wiser man,
 Joel Blake traversed the item, big eyed. He whistled, and then he laugh ed.
 "So that's it, eh?" he rallied. "Nancy, girl, why didn't you show me this at first? never saw the item, but don't blame you for getting wild. Here's the facts! I did visit cabaret, and in good company, with your brother, a minister, just to take a peep at the seamy side of life. Next morning I found my wallet missing. Some one had picked my pocket-Of course, the fellow who was fined for his escapade. There was $500 in the wallet and ] couldn't get you that watch and chain."
 9TH walk a bit with you, if I may" said Nancy meekly.
 My direction is home," observed Joel.
 ''So is mine," whispered Nancy, and, hand in hand, they passed along the smiling country path.
 Brother Jonathan.