The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1920-07-31
THE SQUIRREL
BY mADoE WESTON.

Copyright. 1920. Western Newspaper UnionD
Mr.. Nathan Bennett was exceeding
ly annoyed. That had become his
chronic condition since buying the
Groundley place. He had always
hoped to be the owner of the pictur-
esque old mansion in its beautiful park
setting, from the days when he had
passed on his way TO school.
Mischievous Nat Bennett loved
to linger In those days before the inn
pressive gates of the entrance, watch
ing the squirrels scamper across the
lawn. There was little resemblance
to the mischievous Nat. In this digni-
fed and austere Nathan. But ambi-
ton had brought its own reward and
Groundley place was his own. He hat
started to enjoy himself there with
something of the old-time enthusiasm,
when he became aware of a disagree
able and interfering %neighbor.
Miss Abigail Stevens had not mel
lowed" with age. Nathan Bennett re-
membered her as a younger woman OF
meddling nature.
Looking, upon the night Of his arriv-
al at his new home, across to h white
house that was hers, he decided that
to ignore her presence there would be
all that was necessary to keep the
peace. Soon Nathan found his mis-
take. When Abigail Stevens was not
frightening his white chickens away
from her side of the fence, she was
throwing dangerous sharp stones In
the direction of Niger, his calm-na-
tured dog, an animal too accustomed
to friendly companionship, to know
the meaning of fear. And when
Miss Stevens was not engaged in en-
dangering his live stock, she amused
herself by penning certain complaints
against himself and his household In
general.
Mrs. White, the h~ousekeeper, had a
new grievance each evening. The
busy man riding to and fro from his
city office actually dreaded these home
comings. Niger, upon n evening,
had exhibited pitifully a bruised paw.
while one by n valuable chickens
were reported missing. But now the
calamity had happened-Fannie was
gone.
Nathan Bennett, In purchasing
the home of his boyhood dream,
had overlooked the misfortune of lone
illness. In Nathan's life of endeavor
love had found no part, and Fannie
was the creature who comforted him
with her prankish ways and faithful
affection. Fannie was a gray, park
squirrel. 1t was Mrs. White who made
the announcement of Fannie's loss
when Nathan returned from a bust
ness trip. "She's been gone four
days" said the woman. "and l saw
her last on Miss Stevens roof. She
went In by the attic window"
The woman knew that no further
warning was needed.
Angrily Nathan walked through the
garden that evening. Fannie had beer
wont to come to him with a chirp of
welcome, running up his arm to her
reward of nuts. Tonight no Fannie
came. Fuming inwardly, he went in
doors, this time himself to write a
note. "If Miss Stevens did not at once
produce his squirrel, she might be pre-
pared for all sorts of-impossible-
punishments." Miss Stevens at once
responded to his letter. 1t was an I'M
expected communication. She would
at once set the squirrel free. would
he &c. down." she wrote, ito the south
garden wall to receive her." Miss
Stevens was sorry-very sorry to have
coaxed his pet away.
"Coaxed!" muttered the ~astonished
Nathan, and In apologize manner
made his way to the south garden
wall. A young woman stood upon the
opposite side of the wall; on her arm
perched a gray squirrel. Fannie's
bright eyes regarded him pertly, the
girls brighter eyes twinkled at him.
IT did not know she was a pet SOUR
REL" the girl explained. ." am Gail
Stevens, visiting my aunt. l coaxed
your Fannie through the window be-
cause 1 was lonely and she was so en-
t~ertaining."
II can readily understand" Nathan
Bennett said, smiling, shat you would
enjoy the relief of cheerful compan-
ionship."
And as the girl Strengthened her
arm to transfer the squirrel to his.
Nathan Bennett clasped suddenly the
outstretched hand. And In that clasp
was the promise, strangely sweet, Of
loneliness no more.