Evening star., 1926-03-07
This and That
By Charles +. TracetOeU.

This is the story of how Science at
tempted to interfere between Samuel
Potherington and his pet cat, Tom.
and how each of these creatures re-
acted.
To Tom. Samuel Potherington was
a fellow creature. To sam. who had
always been fond of cats, Tom was
small pal.
Between these two there existed that
invisible but none the less tangible
bond called friendship.
Friendship is a thread more delicate
than spider weave, yet f1rmer than
a steel cable. 1t may be fractured by
a word, and yet will often hold unto
death.
Is not this one Of the most wonder
full bonds in the world?
AS far as any one could see. Tom.
the cat. never deigned to give Samuel
the man. the slightest thanks for the
huge slabs of beefsteak which the
latter regularly set before him.
Tom would eat lick his chops. then
calmly return to his farorite chair
where he would wash his face and
paws with much eclat.
His glance at Samuel was one
rather of satisfaction than thanks.
but it was enough to convince Poth-
erington that Tom was properly
grateful.
Samuel almost came to believe he
would learn Cat-talk some day as he
managed to successfully solve some
of Toms likes and dislikes.
When he happened to hit on dish
that Tom especially appreciated, h"
was happier than if he had found y
treat for himself.
Then Potherington developed asth-
ma.
This treacherous disease. one of the
meanest which flesh is heir to, struck
Sam Potherington in a heap.
He was sick man, and made no
claim otherwise Day and night he
combated the evil. which day and
night grew upon him.
Remedy after remedy was tried. &c
friends suggested. hut the net result
was strictly zero. There was no balm
in the Gilead drug store.
A specialist was consulted
He was bustliug young man. VIII"
had all the reCourseS Of modern sci
ence Al his fingers ends. and he came
with a full equipment of fingers.
His opened SatChel Glistened with
small tubes, row on row of them.
I'VE inoculate." he explained. "and
endeavor to find out what the system
reacts to. Thus. when we isolate the
medium which the system cannot toll
crate, we ban il, and the patient has
every chance of getting well"
Tom. the cat. looked with great in
difference at all that was going on.
lie saw the doctor bare his masters
arm. scratch It, here and there, and
apply drop of nuid from several
little bottles.
Il have tested YOU for house dust.
starch pollen and coal dust said the
doctor "Ah. there is no reaction.
Now | will test you for cat hair
"Cat hair inquired Samuel Poth-
erington.
Yes" went on the doctor. II see
YOU have a cat. and sometimes the
system cannot tolerate the contact of
cat hair Then. too YOU may inhale
n few finer hairs
A drop of extract of cat hair was
placed on n slight cut. Soon there
was swelling. which began TO grow
larger and larger.
"Excellent, said the doctor. "You
respond to cat hair"
The medical man looked at old Tom.
"If YOU want TO get well. Mr.. Poth'
erington," he said. you will have I"
get rid of that cat"
Nothing doing" said Potherington.
making an instant response. 1t did
not have to take time to swell up-it
just popped out.
Then | can do nothing for you.
responded the doctor, beginning tu
pack up his test tubes.
Il am afraid you can't" Cheerf;sHY
replied Potherington. strOling old Tom
on the head. whereat the cat began I"
purr loudly "IIe understands. Poth-
erington told himself. i'll but happy So
foolish is friendship.