The Wrangell sentinel., 1919-08-21

| time, third. T1ge seemed determlneO to get his master to follow him some where. Joel became wrathy and pick ed up switch, but Tige did not allow his master to get near enough to eA- ther punish or catch him.
 Another stubborn critterl" puffed 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 a guest, he delivered resounding whoop of satisfaction and delight and scudded fleet as hare, for his quarry!
 "Well. I'll be flummuxed!" fairly yelled Joel, as, following the animal with his glance, he saw Tige reach the home of his daughter-ln-law, leap the fence at 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 resofute knot.
 He's my dog and I'll have him I" he uttered harshly. "I bought him, l raised him. She shan't have him. She'll be down to cart the furniture away. next. Nor sir-e-eew So, fully reso- lute, Joel started down the dusty coun- try road. He reached the fence that Tige had vaulted. Ten feet beyond 1t. seated on the grass fondling Tge and crying at the same time, was his wife.
 Excuse me, madam" roared out Joel, "but you've got my dog there and want him!"
 Nancy fluttered. Then the unfeeling challenge rolled her. 'If you want your dog you'll have to come and get him." she retorted snappily.
 'Ill do just that" announced Joel. He got astride the fence, cleared 1t 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, ito take away creature who might be a comfort to me in my dis tress!"
 "Aha! distressed. are you?" Joel braved 1t, 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 pleading child.
 Come on l" ordered Joel, and strode on.
 "Tigew 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, ehr' spoke the latter, softened. "Well. Nancy, so do I, If you're so inclined"
 Always your own way!" sobbed Nancy. "Yes, for the sake of the fam fly. to stop gossip I'll give in. Yes, and I'll forgive you."
 Forgive whatT exploded Joel, on the war path again.
 ''Your capers in the city,"
 "HeyY
 "Oh, I've found out! Read that, and forget 1t, 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 Carter 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 1t, eh7" he railed. "Nancy, girl. why didn't you show me this at flrst2 never saw the item, but don't blame you for getting wild, Here's the facts! 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 ono 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.
 "Ill walk bit with you, If 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.