Walter and the Wireless

o

arrying in their hands grimy rags and cans of oil. A short half hour had transformed the quiet spot to a beehive of noise and bustle. The rush seemed contagious for wherever one looked moving figures could be seen. Some crossed the lawn bearing belated s

rked the week before. A spirit of activity was infused into the air

s waylaid by a young chauffeur with r

ted he, beaming ingratiatingly. "They have got to be beaten and brushed before

answer. "I'll beat the

uss," grinned the man. "I'm not

d be gl

are a fool to take on jobs you are n

t care abou

chauffeur who had at the instant come out of the doorw

," put in the chauffeur of the red c

cause you've jollied him into doing

him into anyth

kely

he

well enough it isn't etiquette round here to do a stroke of work for

ulsively. "I'd hate to live like that-never bein

ters gave him a c

," announced he, with a sneer. "Those that are darn fools enough to

nd he proceeded to go into the ga

a stick he sa

nded the red-cheeked man, regard

the cu

onny! Didn't you he

to sign up to a creed like that,

neither to borrow,

then," observed Walter, with a smile so go

month you won't have so much as a collar button to your name. Everything you own wi

l want much that I've

a series of rhythmic blows, send

ed the boy, when he had b

u breaking your back over my job,"

breaking

it for?" questioned the man, hi

the lad shyly. "It was just th

he sweeping of the bru

mong the crowd I mix in. Still, I'm afraid that isn't much of an excuse for shifting back into a savage." He paused thoughtfully, then added, "I'm much obliged to you, sonny,

is heart Walter moved a

was conscious of being very much of an outsider the consc

ack were being led, while others, wild with joy at finding themselves unconfined, leaped and capered wildly about their mistress. A great police dog, straining at the leash, gave Walter a thrill of mingled admiration and timidity. He was a huge creature with mottled coat and mighty jaws, and within his open

el of barking was added the shrill, sympathetic note of five or si

an and Airedales have been boarded out during the winter and have not seen the others for months. So, you see, this is a sort of reunion for them and they have to bark to show

nly once a day?

part of a square of puppy biscuit or some bread; so it is very simple. Dinner, however, is much more complicated and later I shall

e help you,"

them and understand the peculiarities of each one. They are just persons, you know, and have their little whims and queernesses. But kindness w

e wicket gate upon them she told the men to slip the leashes from the collars of the others. In a secon

entle and kind as a kitten, although he does look as if he could swallow us alive. Don't tou

ame nearer. He could feel the creature's hot breath on his hands, face, and hair. Then over his

hil

wagged h

Crowninshield. "The Airedales are Jack Horner and Boy Bl

the dog blinked with friendly eyes at Wa

It is the lovable traits it has that interest me. I should adore wee Lola, here, if she were not worth a cent. But Mr. Crowninshield likes to own blue ribbon dogs and enter them at the shows and therefore I will caution you that Lola, Mimi, and Fifi,"

glanced at the boy beside he

and Achilles a bone. You will find in the room inside an ice chest in which to keep such foods as spoil. There are also glassed-in shelves where tins of various kinds of dog bread and puppy biscuit will be stored that they may be out of the dampness. You are not to trouble the servants at the big hou

ll, m

all the dogs over to your authority. Dogs are like children when they change masters. They will try to play i

ed and the mistress looked on and encouraged wh

ore! Achilles, crouched on the lawn with his bone, crunched it with terrifying zeal, cracking the big joint between his jaws as if it were made of pap

lles to your colors alread

hness, more pleased by the dog's good wil

e scent of a foe. Last summer when a man broke into the boathouse it transformed Achilles into a lion. I was certain he would kill the fellow; as it

he gate to go ba

ly there

ing pack through the netting. "I have far too much to do to be bothered

barked, rebellious

ways does when we're here. The Airedales and the Sealyham can also run about alone as soon as they get used to obeying you. B

be car

s righ

of the house. As she went Walter saw her halt and speak to old Tim, who was at work in the rose gar

had said. She was t

pened the wicket and stepped o

se to the ground and with a joyous bark

r with the new mas

ick call. This time the rushing beast paused, looked round, a

w him go farther and

pel obedien

d he sternly. "Ach

lightest faith they would have any effect and

e here!" repea

the dog turned a

led Walter, with

ting jaws widespread the Belgian came bounding toward him. It was not until he was close at hand that he

the great head

won. He had con