The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1926-07-10
Kitty and the
Cat
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS

his third-story Darkroom with weight
on his chest which proved to be
Noona. The cat had evidently
prowled into Toms open window from
some nearby housetop and, finding q
soft warm spot, had curled up and
gone to sleep.
"Well, of all the cast-iron nerve"
expostulated Tom, while he stroked
the silky ears, IF my landlady catches
sight Of you on her best silk elder
down I know pretty much what you'll
get"
However, Toms landlady proved no
less soft than her best boarder and,
proving her heart of flesh, gave Tom
extra milk each morning with his por-
ridge and saw to 1t in many minor
ways that Noona's comfort was not
overlooked.
So when Noona returned one eve
ming from one of her prowls on ada
cent roofs with a very painful limp,
It was a moment Of grave concern for
Tom. The black paw seemed almost
crushed and Noona couldn't bear even
Toms gentle fingers to touch 1t.
You'd better run round to the
vets with her." said Mrs. O'Toole,
"there might be a splinter or bit
Of glass in her wee paw" She few
to get basket and a second later
Tom was on his way to the local cat
and dog hospital.
He was admitted by a young lady
In a white overall.
IT want to see the veterinary about
this cat" said Tom and blinked at the
loneliness of the girls hair and ex-
pressive eyes.
I'm Doctor Kitty" said the girl.
"Oh poor Puss," she added and took
the cat from Toms arms, ibid she
get a splinter in her little foot? Well,
well-we must take that right out"
And while she went on talking softly
to the cat, Noona began feeble purr.
There were some swift movements
with bottles and cotton under the
searching light, one long howl from
Noona and a good-sized splinter was
exhibited to Toms gaze.
1.-THE ministering angel" said Tom.
"She is more comfortable already.
You're a wonder" he told Doctor Kit
ty, and she colored happily.
1.-THE swelling should, 60 down al
most Immediately" she put In quickly
as the admiration In Toms eyes was
in no way abating.
"Shall I bring her around tomor-
row-just to see If she IL making good
progressT
'That won't be necessary" laughed
Kitty and was amused at the disap-
pointment registered In Toms face.
Next evening there was absolutely
no excuse to take Mona back for
treatment as her foot was so COM
pletely recovered as to make her
usual night prowl possible.
Tom, however, fretted. The girl
veterinary had made q tremendous
impression on Toms not too suscep-
tible heart.
When a week had passed with
Noona In the very pink Of health and
showing not one sign of decline and
getting no more splinters, Tom could
stand the strain no longer.
When he was admitted this time by
Kitty he tried not to look like GRIM
inal as he extracted the sleek feline
from the basket.
whats the matter nowT ques-
toned Kitty looking Noona over.
"She just seems languid-won't eat
doesn't sleep much and sits about
looking Ill., said Tom, and tried TO
speak with great concern.
"She looks In the pink OF condL
tion," Kitty bit her lip to keep seri-
GUS. I'll just try her with drop OF
milk"
Noona, not being properly drilled.
proceeded to lap up the milk to the
very dregs.
Funny" exclaimed Tom, 'she
wouldn't touch it for me. But don't
you think her eyes look a bit dullf
Perhaps she's bilious" He suggested
hopefully. I'm sure II you keep her
here a week or two you will see thsf
she is a very sick cat"
Il will keep her here under observs-
tion." Kitty told Tom, but IL she is
so Ill as all that she must certainly
be kept very quiet and see no visitors
whatever"
But must inquire each day." per-
sisted Tom.
Haven't you tslephoner
Tom looked defantly back at her.
eyes have. But speaking sensibly.
isn't II far better to have q personal
interview when the health Of my pet
cat is at stake? If Mona was your
cat, wouldn't you be worriedr'
mot in the slightest" said Kitty.
'T have examined her ell over most
carefully and can find only perfect
cat health radiating from her"
Tom burst out laughing and Kitty
followed suit
"Then what are we going to DO
about itr" he asked.
About whatT"
About my getting better acQuaint-
ed with you SO that don't lose hours
and hours Of sleep every night won
dering how It can be done Please"
he added softly, "tell me q way"
And Kitty relenting. partly because
she felt much as Tom felt. smiled into
his eager eyes Noona began a great
purr as II she knew something rather
comfortable was happening.
'T'll just keep Noona Tor q short
holiday and you can come over each