Nippy-Nip

Southland Times, Issue 22146, 14 October 1933, Page 19

Nippy-Nip

Mrs Grant had been away for the day, and, when she opened the door, a desolate scene greeted her eyes. The floors were unswept, the fire out, and everything was untidy. She was about to shout for Jean, who had been left in charge, when she became aware of a dull pounding noise. She traced it to the study, but the door was latched. When she opened it, Jean rushed out She had gone into the study, when she heard the puppy, Nip, outside the door, and next thing, he had pulled the old-fashioned latch down with his teeth and locked her in! “The windows were securely barred, and Jean had been imprisoned all day. This was not the first offence Nip had committed in that direction. It was a favourite trick of his. The two set out on his trail and the culprit—he found finishing off a roast of beef—He had taken advantage of Jean’s absence from the kitchen. .... Nip was hurt in both mind and body half an hour later. He gave up his most amusing trick

for a while, although he looked very wistful whenever anyone entered the study. The longing to latch the door grew. That night, everyone went out. Nip stayed at home. He decided to roam up to the study. Perhaps the door would be open! It wouldn’t matter if he latched it when nobody was inside. Joy of joys! It was open! He dragged the door to with his teeth then dropped the latch. As the door banged, he heard hurried footsteps, and an angry voice on the other side. Nip fled. "Strange,” he thought, “Who can it be?” He told his master as well as he could when that worthy came home. Nip suddenly found himself a hero! Two stalwart men in blue arrived to escort the occupant of the study away, and instead of blows, Nip was beshowered with praise and tit-bits. “Strange creatures these humans,” ruminated Nip. Then, seeing his master’s back retreating into the study, he joyfully rushed up and latched the door! —3 marks to Cousin Chrissie Ross (14) Maia, Dunedin.

ANIMALS. Animals! Animals!! Animals!!! Everywhere you went you saw animals. I was staying for a month with my cousin who was an animal lover. She had a great collection of different classes of dogs and cats. Here was a short-haired Newfoundland dog or a St. Bernard; black with white markings. Somewhere else was a sleek, dark brown and white Cocker Spaniel with long, silky ears. A Pomeranian of a light fawn shade, darted here and there carrying in its mouth an old, forgotten slipper. In one comer was a mother Fox Terrier with two little, brown and white pups. In another place was a glossy, golden brown, setter. Further along the road, up to the house, was a sheep dog driving before it a flock of sheep. A grey, furry Persian cat played with its brother the striped Persian cat. A tabby cat and kittens sitting on the doorstep knocking for admittance made a pleasant sight to look upon. A beautiful white Persian cat with two white kittens had beautiful blue satin ribbons round their necks. A mischievious black kitten sat supping its milk with a butterfly hovering near. In the garden, was a rabbit hutch in which were two Angora rabbits quietly eating their dinner of green leaves and carrots. In a paddock near by a goat and two kids ran amongst the herd of Halstein cattle. Holstein cattle, beautiful white pony, a mare and foal of a dark chestnut colour, grazing on the hillside. A donkey with a hen and rooster on its back, two geese and a turkey, trying to pull the grass it was eating out of its mouth. In the orchard a sow and her young ones were having a happy meal of some fallen apples. Many other animals were there—squirrels, bunnies, pet hedgehogs and field mice. Although I liked my stay at the farm I was glad to get home. 3 marks to Cousin Elizabeth Greer (10) 295 Herbert Street, Invercargill.