Fetching the Newspaper

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 44, 4 August 1933, Page 8

Fetching the Newspaper

For half an hour John had kept running to the front door and looking down the street to see if his father were coming.

He had a great surprise waiting

for him, and even Scottie, the terrier, seemed excited. Oh dear! Would he never come?

Ah, there he was at last, and Uncle Jim was with him. Now they could all share the surprise, Mummy, Daddy and Uncle Jim. Lovely! He squirmed with joy as he stood pressed close to the wall behind the door. The key rattled in the lock, the door opened, and John pounced. “Young rascal !” said his father. “Nearly frightened me to death.” “Catch !” said his uncle, as he threw a slab of nut chocolate to him. After tea they all sat round the fire, John very restless, trying to control his excitement. Five minutes to six was his time each evening to fetch the newspaper, and at exactly five minutes to six he burst out: “Daddy, I’ve got a surprise for you!” “Splendid !” said his father ; “but business first. Run to the corner for the paper before the shop closes. Here’s the penny.” “I’m not going to fetch your old newspaper,” said John, strutting to the door. “Nonsense !” said his father ; “hurry up.” “But I’m not, Daddy, you wait and see.” “Do as your father tells you, John,” said his uncle. But John was already out of the room, and the door closed behind him. “I’m sure he doesn’t mean it,” said his mother, after a moment’s astonished silence. “I heard the front door open.”

“Yes, I did mean it,” said John, coming back in time to hear his mother’s words.

“Oh, indeed?” said his father. “I’m afraid you will be the only person to get a surprise tonight. I’ll give you three minutes to make up your mind.” The clock ticked on. John could not prevent a little smile creeping to his lips, though he tried to look solemn. The three minutes were almost ended when a scratching noise was heard at the door. Up jumped John and ran to open it.

In trotted Scottie—with the paper in his mouth, wagging his tail with satisfaction.

“Bless my soul !” said father. “Well done, Scottie ! Is this the surprise, John?”

“Yes, Dad. I taught him. It was easy to teach him to carry the paper, but I had a terrible job to get him to go alone to the shop with the penny.” “Bravo, old chap !” said Uncle Jim. “I have to go now, but remind me to tell you of another clever dog I once knew.” Mother put an arm round him and said, “Oh darling, I am so glad you weren’t really being disobedient.”