Black Cat Luck

Southland Times, Issue 21581, 19 December 1931, Page 19

Black Cat Luck

“Look, Flo,” exclaimed Beth, excitedly, “there’s a black cat crossing our path. Good luck for us. I hope it brings us some for Christmas.”

‘You superstitious silly. As if that black cat of Nancy Brown’s could bring us enough money to pay for a doctor for Mums,” scoffed Ho. Flo and Beth Fuller were walking along the road near their home. Their father, a farmer, had suffered several losses financially, and found it impossible to pay for the expensive treatment which his wife needed. “Let’s cut through this paddock, Flo, and walk through tu the river,” said Beth, as she caught a glimpse of the river through Farmer Brown’s projxrrty. “All right, it might be cooler,” said Flo. They climbed the stile and strolled down to the river. “I wish I’d brought my bathing suit. I should like a swim now,” said Flo, as the river came in sight. “Why didn’t we think of it,” said Beth. Suddenly they heard a plaintive meowing, which seemed to come from above their heads, as they sat beneath a tree on the bank. They looked up, and there was a black cat, clinging to a branch overhanging the. water. “It’s Teedles, Nancy’s black cat,” said Flo. “It doesn’t seem to be bringing much luck.” “I’d better go and get it,” said Beth, “the poor things scared.” Climbing the tree was no hardship io Beth, for she was a real tomboy. The difficulty was to get the cat off the thin branch over-hanging the water. Beth crawled cautiously along, calling coaxingly to Teedles, who arcbed his hack at her approach, but when he found a friend, snuggled up against her. How was she to get down ? Putting Teedles under her blazer and buttoning it up, she wriggled slowly back, as the branch bent and sagged under. Flo held her breath, as she heard an ominous creak. At last she felt her feet against the firm trunk and soon was safely on the ground. ‘Toor Teedles did you get a fright?” murmured Beth, as she sat on the bank to regain her composure. “Listen, what’s that?” cried Flo. “It sounds like a cry for help,” answered Beth.' “It came from the river, and look there’s a boat coming down, with no oars!”

“Look, its overturned now. The man can’t swim, either. “What’ll we do?” But Beth already had her blazer and shoes off. Diving in, she swam with steady strokes towards the man, who was struggling vainly against the current. “I’m coming,” called Beth- “Don’t struggle,” as she reached the man. He seemed to have the sense to know that he could do no good by struggling, as the plucky girl began to battle against the current. It was a fight, but Beth was strong, and gradually the bank came nearer. Flo was waiting to help them out of the water, itnd at once they began artificial respiration on the stranger, who was unconscious. As his eyelids flickered, Flo ran off for help, while Beth continued to rub life into the man. Soon Farmer Brown and some of his men came running over, and carried the stranger over to the farm house. Beth ran home with Flo to change into dry clothes.

The next afternoon, just as they had finished washing the dinner dishes, Beth being none the worse for her adventure, a message came asking Beth and Flo to call at Farmer Brown’s. Wonderingly, they put on their hats, and hurried off. What a surprise awaited them. The stranger whom Beth had rescued was none other than a famous doctor, on holiday in the neighbourhood. Mrs Brown had told him all about the Fullers, and he said that the least ho could do was to cure Mrs Fuller, and then he would still be in the debt of the daughter who had save his life. "I know it was Teedles who brought us luck,” said Beth, as she and Flo rode along on the bicycles the doctor had presented them with. Flo thought different, but said nothing. —Cousin Dorothy M. Fox (15), 94 Earn street, Invercargill.