Cavalier County farmers press. (Langdon, N.D.) 1920-1921, 1920-07-29

'Berwickshire. And besides;gM Major RI.
lott knew all ;, about him, and he.
would not show him. such respect Il
there was anything amiss.
I had Just got as far AS this in
my thoughts when I heard a. CHEEKY
hail, and there was the major him
self, coming down the hill from his
house, with his big bulldog, Bounder,
held in leash. This dog was a savage
creature, and had caused more than
one accident on the countryside. but
the major was very fond of 1t, and
would never go out without it, though
he kept 1t tied with a good, thick
thong of leather. Well, just as I was
looking at the major, waiting for him
to come up, he stumbled with his
lame leg over a branch Of gorse, and
in recovering himself he let go his
hold Of the leash, and in an instant
there was the beast Of a dog flying
down the hillside in my direction.
I did not like it, 1 can tell you,
for there was neither stick nor stone
about, and I knew that the brute
was dangerous. AS it anne at me
with bristling hair and its nose
screwed back between it's two red
eyes, I cried out, "Bounder! Bounder!"
at the pitch of my lungs. 1t had
its effect, for the beast passed me
with a snarl, and flew along the path
on the traces Of B~onaventure. de Lapp.
He turned at the shouting, and
seemed to take in the whole thing
at a glance, but he strolled along as
slowly as v My heart was in my
mouth for him, for the dog had never
seen him before, and I ran as fast as
my feet would carry me to drag it
away from him. But somehow, as
it bounded up and saw the t%wittering
finger and thumb which De Lapp held
out behind him, it's fury died suddenly
away, and we saw it wagging it's
thumb of a tail and clawing at his
knee.
'Your dog, then, major?" said he,
as it's owner came hobbling up. "Ah,
it is a fine beast-a fine, pretty thing"
The major was blowing hard, for
he had covered the ground nearly as
fast as l had,
II was afraid lest he might have
hurt you" he painted.
"Ta. ia, tai" cried De Lapp. HE
is a pretty, gentle thing. I always
love the dogs. But I am glad that
I have met you, major, for there is
this young gentleman, to whom 1 owe
very much, who has begun to think
that I am a spy. Is it not so, Jack!'
I was so taken aback by his words
that 1 coulu not lay my tongue to an
answer, but colored up and looked
askance, like the awkward country
lad that I vas.
"You know me. major" said De
Lapp; "and I am sure that you will
tell him that this could not be-"
"No, no, Jack! Certainly not! Ger
tainly not!". cried the major.
"Thank you," said De Lapp. "Yor
know me, and you do me justice. Anc
yourself, I hope that you will soor
have your regiment given YOU"
81 am well enough" answered. the
major; but they will never give me
a place unless there is war, and there
will be no more war in my time"
ooh! you think that?" said De Lapp
with a smile. "Well, nous verrons
We shall see, my friend!" He whisked
off his hat, and turning briskly, he
walked off in the direction Of West
Inch. The major stood looking after
him with thoughtful eyes, and ther
asked me what it was that had me
think that he was a spy. When
told him he said nothing, but he SHOOK
his head, and looked like a man who
was i'll at ease in his mind.