A PUPPY FOR SALE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 24 August 1935, Page 10

A PUPPY FOR SALE

CHICK BRINGS GOOD LUCK / “I wonder how much Uncle Ken will take at his grooming stall!” said Brenda Durrance to her brother and sister as they trudged across the common on their way to the Animals Hospital Bazaar. “Why does he call If a groomingstall P” asked Toney, “Is he a groom?” “No,” laughed Joan. “He’s a vet, at least he will be when he’s passed his exams,” she explained. “Uncle Ken’s asked people to bring their pets to his stall for him to grooxn them . • •. brush their coats or clip their claws. . - .”

Just then they reached Hayden’s Copse. “Gipsies!” exclaimed Tony, running ahead. “I can see the caravans!” As Bi’enda and Joan drew near Tony called out to thepx,, “Look at this lovely little dog,” he said. “It’s a shaine that he should be chained up!” “That dog’s more nuisance than he’s worth!” croaked a voice from the caravan, and a swarthy old woman appeared at the top of the steps.

“Oh, lie can’t be,” protested Tony. “Look how friendly he is!” “Ay, that’s the trouble,” vent cn the Gipsy, “he follows everyone and that’s why I have to keep him tied up.” “He can’t like that!” Brenda remarked. “All terriers love lots of exercise. Hr—er. I suppose he is a—a white terrier?” she added. “Terrier! I don’t know! But Re’s a terror enough!” and the old woman cackled at her joke. “I tell you what,” she continued. “I want to get rid of the dog and you want him. Well, give me five shillings and he’s yours!” “Do let’s have him, Bienda,” pleaded Tony. “I’m sure Mother would love him.”

The dog, who seemed to understand that his fate depended upon Brenda, cocked his head on one side and looked at her wistfully

Brenda- couldn’t resist that appeal. “Well, I’ve only half-n-crown,” she said..

“Here’s one and a penny,” added Joan quickly, and Tony, who was searching his pockets, was quite downcast. “I’ve only sevenpence ha’penny,” he annouiiced sadly.

The Gipsy eyed them narrowly. “He’ll hiing you luck,” she said persuasiyely.

“We’ve only four shillings and twopence ha’penny. ...” began Brenda- “ All right!” interrupted the Gipsy, and snatching the money from Brenda’s hand, climbed hack into the eara. van.

“Goodness knows what Mother will 'say,” sighed Brenda. “He’s so frightfully dirty!” Uncle Ken was expecting his nephew and nieces, but not Chick, as they had decided to call their new pet. “Wliei'e did you get him?” he asked in astonishment.

“He’s ours,” explained Tony. “And he’s to be your first customer for grooming!” added Joan, “Oh, is he!” laughed Uncle Ken, “Then I’d better tub him right away!” After his bath Chick was hardly recognisable*. “I do hope he doesn’t catch cold on the way home,” said Brenda. “We’d better look round for something to wrap him in.” ‘‘CJncle Iveu’s given me sixpence,” volunteered Tony. “That’ll buy a blanket!” But no stall had a blanket for as little as sixpence and they were beginning to think that Chick would have to do without, when a kind-hearted lady offered them a shawl. “It’s a peculiar colour,” she said. “But it would do very well for your dog!” Mrs Durrance was astonished-—when she saw Chick, but seemed quite pleased. “He can have this old basket,” she said, and as she smoothed out Chick’s shawl something tinkled to the floor. It was a diamond ear-ring. “Somebody must have dropped it at the bazaar. I’ll phone there at once,” said Mrs Durrance, She came back smiling. “Isn’t it splendid? The eaivring belongs to the lady who opened the bazaar and she has offered a reward of £lO for it!” “There!” exclaimed Tony. “The Gipsy said Chick would bring us luck!”