MATTIE'S CHRISTIAN PAGES

A large family lived at the outskirts of a small town. The oldest girl, named Louise, had a dog named Curlie. Each time Louise got a whipping, she got Curlie on her lap and cried into his fur. Curlie would wag his tail and whine as if to say, "Don't cry, Louise, I love you!"

The family had to draw water from a deep well. One day, Louise and her faithful dog, Curlie went to the well to draw water. A rattlesnake was coiled up, ready to strike Louise, when Curlie grabbed the snake and killed it with his teeth. She told her family and Curlie got all the petting that could be lavished on a dog for one day!

Louise's chore was to go "round up" the cows at milking time. Curlie always went with her. He would get behind the cows and nip at their heels, barking and getting them started to the barn.

The mother was expecting another baby, so they loaded up their furniture and personal belongings and of course, their good and faithful dog, Curlie and started to their new home to wait for the new baby to arrive.

On the way, they stopped in a city to visit the grandparents. Louise got her leg broken and had to spend some time in the hospital. The mother and father and the other children went on to their new home, leaving Louise with her grandparents. When Louise got out of the hospital, she went out in the yard calling Curlie. "Curlie, come here, Curlie!" No Curlie was to be found.

The grandmother told Louise that her grandfather called the animal shelter to come and get the dog. This made Louise very sad. Louise had other dogs; but she never loved one as much as she did Curlie, her good and faithful companion.