Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1925-09-04

Soon the squirrel strayed near the
young Ohlnaman lounglng on the
bench 1t approached and played about
his feet, then ventured to climb little
way up one leg. 1t quickly scurried
down again and out of reach, but, as
he did not move, It returned and ran
up to his knee. 1t crouched there for
a moment, blinking its bright little
eyes at him, then went on search Of
his clothing for sweetmeats.
Hip Toys face, set with the con-
seriousness Of his purpose, the time
for the fulfllment of which was rap
idly approaching, relaxed bit and he
half-smiled. Then he pushed the lit
tie creature away resolutely, almost
roughly, onto the ground. But 1t re-
turned, cuddled down In his lap and
refused to bulge. This time he could
not resist the temptation to stroke
the furry back. Though a highbinder
Hip Toy was still human being.
Soon the little animal left him, and
when 1t did 80 his eyes followed 1t.
A small white dog saw the squirrel and
gave chase. The bright-eyed frollcker
ran up tree but only for little way.
1t returned, scampered down the
trunk and tempted the canine. The
dog sprang for the squirrel and the
latter, just out of reach, ran around
and around the trunk. The dog fol-
lowed, yelping with excitement, and
the squirrel continued to tease him.
Sometimes the squirrel would drop
to the ground on the opposite side Of
the trunk, but would be up again in
time to avoid the rush Of his pursuer
When the dog relaxed his vigilance
for moment the daring squirrel would
leap from the tree and scamper for
another one. He would be almost
caught, but each time the distance
was well calculated, and the pursuer
would be tantalizing yard behind.
Safe In the new tree, the squirrel
would turn about on the trunk, tail
upward, and with audible sQueaks, like
unto laughter, would mock the en-
ragged terrier.
Such antics continued until the dog
lObt HODt anu W lCuNG. oCN-
eral times, as he turned away, the
squirrel enticed him back by taking
an extra long chance for a distant
tree, but finally the dog made off at
gallop, and though his tormentor
followed at his very heels to the side
walk, he did not so much as look
back.
But in following the small white
eur the squirrel had not calculated on
the possibility Of encountering a new
enemy. As the animal turned to re-
treat, another dog came rushing for
ward. The new dog was larger, fast
err, hercer. With blazing eyes and
barred fangs he leaped across the side
walk and upon the grass. At sight
OF him the squirrel scuttled for the
nearest tree. The tree was seventy
five feet away and there was no mo-
1t was one of pure fright. The dog
followed and with yelp of eager
ness he seemed to see that he would
overtake the fugitive. Now he was
fairly upon the little fellow Strain
ing forward, he snapped his jaws. But
the squirrel was not there. In that
instant the smaller animal had dOu-
bled suddenly and now he was behind
the dog, which had rolled over on
the grass In an attempt to turn as
quickly as the squirrel.
But the dog was up again In a
flash and now he was between the
squirrel and the tree. The entire ac-
ton OF the little drama was so swift
that there was no chance whatever
of human Interference. The death OF
the squirrel seemed Inevitable. But
stay, one hope for life remained and
this the squirrel took. With n pitt
full squeak he dashed straight at Hip
Toy, then up a leg and into his arms
as the young Chlnaman rose to his
feet. Slipping half-under the blue
blouse the furry creature hid there,
Its warm little body all a-tremble with
terror.
Get outT Hip Toy gave the dog a
vigorous kick which sent him yeiplng
about his business. Then he cuddled
the animal In his arms and stroked
tho trembliny hack ogoin and again
over him there flooded strange sensa.
lions His hands we're hot his foce
aushed and his bodv trembled ouIte
as Violently as ala that Of the wild
little creature in his arms. AS with
soothIng strokes Of the hand he ouIet.
cd the trembling Of the frightened m.
flo life the first he had ever saved
HE own IIfo suddenly become Inex.
nresslbIv dear 70 him. life I'm gen.
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