THE TRAMP DOGGIE'S STORY.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 17 February 1915, Page 3

THE TRAMP DOGGIE'S STORY.

Of course, I'm only a common dog, and my home is in the street, my bed in some doorway, and my dining-room a dustbin at someone's backdoor. But for all that I have some mighty good friends, and they aren't all such tramps as I am, either. Several are really highclass dogs, with fancy collars, and even overcoats to keep them warm in winter. t\ Bowlegged Bob, a big bulldog, is my chum. He's a fine fighter, and lives in a house in the avenue. Once in a while he sneaks out when his master isn't looking, and wo see the town together. He always gets licked when he gets home, but he says the fun we had pays for it.

This morning I was sleeping in the alley when a lot of boys came there to play. They used to be friends of mine. To-day they patted me and then tied a string to my tail. I thought they were fixing me up like my friends who wear bows of ribbons on their necks, so I wagged my tail to show them I appreciated it. Then there was a bangy, jingly sound, and looking back I saw a tin can beside me. Naturally I must have hit it, so I walked away from it, but it came too. I wagged my tail and the can bounced around. Maybe I didn't cock my ears! The boys all laughed and began to throw stones to make me run. And I did. I ran straight for Bob's home with that horrid old can bumping and hurting my feelings.

Just as I got there Bob and his master were coming out. We dogs talked the matter over, and his master patted my head and untied the string. Well, Bob and I tore across the street, his master running after us and whistling for Bob. But Bob just followed me, and we ran up that alley after those boys, Bob growling and showing his fine big teeth, and I barking as loud as I could.

They yelled: ""There comes cross Bob," and didn't they run! We chased one of the boys, and Bob was getting near enough to bite him when his master caught up with us, and making him stop, fastened a chain on his collar.

He patted me and said we were just two playful pups. But I hope he didn't lick Bob this time, 'cause he was only protecting me against those pean, wicked boys.