the best or the worst
Proved by the wag of his tail.

Love such as his will abide to the end,
Do what you will, distort your ways you may wend,
Hardships and knocks but insure him your friend
Shown by the wag of his tail.

Curse him--he lies at your feet to adore!
Strike him--he loves you the same as before!
Violent blows--snap your finger! Once more
There is the wag of his tail.

Watchful he sits at your side in repose
Loyal before you he stealthily goes
Eager to champion your cause with your foes
Told by the wag of his tail.

Friendship may fade and earth's love may grow cold
Chains such as these oft are flimsiest mold,
Love of the dog for his master will hold
Long as the wag of his tail.

Not as a peer, neither cringing like slave
One solemn boon, as the last he may crave,
Little dog Tray sits and moans on your grave
Sad is the way of his tail.

When at the close of a wearisome day
Homeward, disheartened, you moodily stray,
What would you take for your little dog Tray?
Take for the wag of his tail?

--_By Walter P. Neff._

[Illustration: LADY BETTY.]

A KIPLING TRIBUTE.

"Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed,
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head,
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the "Vet's" unspoken presentation runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find, its your own affair
That -- -- -- you've given your heart for a dog to tear."

--_By Lee A. Dollinger._

"MAN'S BEST FRIEND."

Senator Vest had been retained as the Attorney of a man whose dog had
been wantonly shot by a neighbor. The plaintiff demanded $200.00.

When Vest finished speaking the jury awarded $500.00 without leaving
their seats. This is what he said:

"_Gentlemen of the Jury:_ The best friend a man has in this world may
turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has
reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and
dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good
name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he
may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when h