Children's Corner

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 25, 14 November 1929, Page 4

Children's Corner

ANDY MAC.

Andy Mac had been ratting. His coat was full of straws, his nose was scratched, and his feet were four lumps of mud—but:

1 "It has been fun!" chuckled Andy, trotting home; "I wonder if Patsy's home from school yet?' ■ Patsy was-Andy's little mistress and they did everything together —except ratting. Andy loved Patsy, Andy was hurrying-up the lane, one eye .well open for the farm cat. He hated cats. But to-day there was no farm eat, and he squeezed through the hole in'the hedge, hurried up the path, and blew through -the crack under the door. "Wouf! /Wouf!" said Andy Mac. "I've comeThome I" • The door opened. "Hullo, Andy Mac—been ratting?" said Patsy. "Hullo, Patsy — home from school V ' said Andy, jumping up and down, and wriggling: all over because he was so pleased to see her. ... • "Hoots!" said Andy, suddenly stiffening. "What ever have you there ?'' All the shine went out of his eyes, and turning his back on Patsy he went and crouched under the table.

4<Why, Andy Mac V cried Patsy i'it's only a little kitten! You needn't be jealous." . But Andy wouldn't move. To think that Patsy—his Patsyshould Lave a kitten —a new friend! Andy felt that now he wouldn't be wanted any more.

"I h?tc cats," said Andy Mac sitting tight on his tail,and pressing his nose hard on the ground. / JL."e. ■*. ciildn!t eat, and he growled if 11. c > itten came near. ' -.-' *

P.itsv was nearly in tears. 'Oh! -1. rety 51 and I did think \* ed h{jv-o *vch. fun together—and sh'j-'li U-. o- ;. pany for you when I g. to fec'J ool." '• Fools'!'• was all Andy would 1 Kj. sulkcci «J1 the next day, and 1'" iifAt. ructthen Monday came, vv-l IV. by went to school. f Ai..!y iftild not bear Mondays, bvriu>^ he'always felt so lonely l,l\'v Yfv-nir, had Patsy for two whole days/ He never felt lifte .■a^u'j'on Mondays. ! Today he went into the garden, and lay watching the front gate. Hfe wanted Patsy, he hated the kitten, and he was very unhappy. The kitten was chasing* butterflies on the lawn. ' ' Presently Andy pricked his ears.- i "Some one is coming through the hole in the hedge!" he said. The hedge shook a "little ' as something pushed its way through, then suddenly,- there was a rush, a scurry,' a terrified "miaow," and a large terrier dashed up the garden after the kitten. , "Grr>!" said Andy, hurling himself after-the terrier, "Grr—rr! that's Patsy's kitten . . . .Grr—r" The last""Grr—-rr!" was rather smojthered, as Andy's mouth was full of terrier. When; Andy Mac was. angry he was really "angry, and the terrier was soon racing wildly for home. Andy went up to sniff the kitten. '•--'. - "Miaow!" wept the kitten. I want Patsy." .- Andy went back to wattfh the gate. "Miaow!" Aiidy felt uncomfortable. "Mia—o—w!" "Hoots!" sighed. Andy, going over to the kitten. It did look miserable! Andy gare. it a little push, and lay down iwith his-nose near it.Presently the kitten stopped crying,. Andy was very warm and comforting'; it crept nearer, and then, snuggling against his rough coat, began to purr. It was very soft and, little. Andy Mac looked sheepish; then, having made sure that no one was looking* he gave the • kitten a rather wet kiss. ■.•■ * Mil have. to take' care of you after all, I suppose!" h,e sighed.