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