ur park there is a river, in which we have a
bathing-place. One morning when I was going to bathe I thought I would
take Ruffle with me, as it would be a nice run for her, and I could
leave her with my maid in the punt whilst I was in the water. She did
not seem in the least afraid until I was in the water, and then she
began to mew. She would not stay in the maid's lap, but ran to the side
of the punt mewing piteously. I came to the side of the punt and stroked
her and she began to purr at once. I thought she would be quite happy
now, and so I left her, but I had hardly turned my back before I heard a
little splash and turning round saw my maid vainly trying to rescue
Ruffle, who had jumped into the water! Instead of trying to reach the
bank she swam to me. Of course I picked her up, little drowned mite that
she was, and took her into the bathing-house and dried her as well as I
could. I need not say that this proof of her affection made us firmer
friends than ever.

MARIAN C. BRODRICK.
(Aged 14.)
_Peper Harow,
Godalming, Surrey._

A DOG'S TRICK.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,--I thought you would like to hear of a trick played by
a Newfoundland dog of whom its owner was very fond. One day my
grandpapa, whilst out walking with another gentleman, was boasting
rather of the cleverness of Victor, his dog, in finding things which he
had not seen. His friend asked if he would hide something now, and not
show the dog. My grandfather agreed, and while Victor was not looking
placed his stick in the gutter. The two gentlemen then walked on for
about a mile and a half; the dog was then called, and told to fetch the
stick. By-and-by he returned, but without the cane. Grandpapa was very
angry, especially as his friend remarked that he never really believed
it possible for any animal to find a thing at such a distance. The dog
was sent back again, but returned with the same result. The gentlemen
then determined to follow him, and see where he went. And what do you
think the sly fellow did?--why just went round the corner and lay down
till he thought it was time to go back! But when he found our that he
was discovered he went and brought the stick to grandpapa, who could not
help laughing at the trick he had been played.

EDITH PARNELL.
(Aged 13.)
13, _Windsor Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne._

NOTE.--Each Story, Anecdote, &c., when sent to the Editor, must be
certified by a Parent, Teacher, or other responsible person, as being
both _T