The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1923-02-09
A Dog and a Loaf
of Bread
BY MARVIN ST. JOHNS

Copyright. 1874 Western Newspaper Union
"Scat!" ordered Mrs. Jared Smith
and bang, a rolling pin went hurting
through the open doorway after q
Aging canine. 1t struck the animal,
who uttered cry of pain and disap-
peared. lImping.
Easy, mother; easy does 1t, you
know" spoke an even, soothing voice,
and Jared Smith came into view.
"Just minute more and might have
got 1t. Here's your rolling pin, ma.
I'll look after the dog"
you'll do no such thing, Jared
Smith," stormed his angry helpmeet.
THE animal got his lesson and de-
serves H."
And what has he been doingr' In
Quired Jared placidly.
Better ask that when you get your
supper" observed Mrs. Smith tartly,
seeing as the dog stole the small
loaf I'd baked special for you, and
put II out to cool.
Zone thing-don't you dare to bring
that animal back herel Now, you
mind me-" proclaimed Mrs. Smith.
Jared went out In search of the
animal In disfavor. He had picked up
the poor creature coming home the
day previous.
Jared was tender-hearted, even with
the brute creation. He came across
the dog sinking behind the barn and
holding up a broken paw.
why, you poor thing" he pitied.
caressing the frightened and trembling
animal.
i Jared went into the barn and got
some horse liniment and some rags
He soon had the injured limb mended
up. Then he filed q pan with water
and led the animal to an empty cat
tie pen way back Of the house.
"Now you stay here till the storms
blow over" he advised his dumb
charge.
where are you going with that
tinplate Of stuffw demanded Mrs.
Smith.
Its for that dog, Samantha" ex-
planned Jared you hurt him a good
deal. He won't trouble you any be.
fore he gets In shape to travel on his
way"
you'll just encourage him to hang
around" declared Mrs. Smith, pee
Vishly.
Samantha" said her husband
softly. don't forget that David liked
logs"
David" The old wrinkled face Of
he woman famed, paled.
David-her boy "a door opened In
her soul long closed Seemingly, and
host Of longing, pititui memories
lad rushed In.
Two years lonely, bitter and hope
ess--two years without the boy who
lad run away from home to become |
sailor. Only once they had heard |
rom him. There had come a letter |
o the mourning mother from the err
ant but loving son.
II wouldn't do II over again." read |
he pathetic missive, 'but I'm started |
nd I've got pride enough TO 60
through with It. Mother, I'm going to
he East Indies next. Then I'm COM
az home"
A year went by and NO further word |
rom the wandering boy and the ship
. had sailed In reported lost In q
errible storm off the Malacca coast.
Mrs. Smith was strangely silent all
hat evening. After they had retired
or the night her husband noted how
estless she was. Once he fancied he
card her sobbing softly.
He was himself awakened shortly
fter midnight by the barking Of the
og.
"YOu can fetch that dog int the
itchen II you want to, Jared" she
aid.
AS Jared came out into the yard
he dog limped up to him. The farmer
cited the animal and motioned II to
blow him into the house. However,
ae animal acted strangely.
'1The critter acts funny, / declare!-
AIRED was saying as his wife came
ut into the yard. "Why, what does
he animal want, anyhow
Out OF curiosity both Of them fol-
wed the limping animal. The dog
the thick copse given over
} dense underground. Ten feet ad-
anced among this Jared Smith halted
It'll shock.
"Why, Samanthaw he exclaimed.
t's q mani"
Mrs. Smith peered tImoreusly over
er husbands shoulder
"Oh. Jared! Is 1t some one deadr'
lie shuddered
II think not, hope not, Samantha"
piled Jared, lifting a one-half eaten
tile loaf from beside the PROSTATE
yure-"your bread"
Just there the dog crept up to the
ranger and nosed ut his face buried
the grass. The recumbent man
owed and then with a groan turned
3 weary fever-stricken eyes upon
e intruders.
"Mother!' he uttered, and col
psed.
"Oh Jared!" fairly shrieked Mrs.
NTH, SITS my boyi'
Thus the runaway had come home.
st In time they had found him.
ie doctor, who had been called told
EN- that another hour of inatten-
N might have ended in his death.