TTLIUE 



I GOT home about midnight or somewhere in 

 that latitude. Grounds and house alike were one 

 black mystery ; but where the gate was supposed to 

 be, a dull white spot showed. I knew it would be 

 there. Others of the family might pass in and out, 

 they might leave early and return late, yet see noth- 

 ing ; but when I came home it was different. Just 

 as sure as I neared that gate, no matter how long 

 after midnight, just so sure was I to see that whitish- 

 looking spot. Cold and damp made no difference 

 it would be there. 



" Your wretched, neglected wife ! " says my lady 

 reader. 



No'm, not the same. My wife hasn't got ribs like 

 a spiral spring, nor four legs. I am referring to a 

 D-o-g! D'ye s'pose I'd want my wife out there 

 keepin'-tabs-and-gettin'-cold-feet and but I digress. 

 Not until I was within a step of him did the grand 

 fellow move ; then he slowly rose" -upon his hind feet 

 and placed two dappled paws upon my breast, while 



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