When the puppies grew a little older, people used to come and look at them, and soon the three boy puppies were sold and taken to new homes.
Timette and Ann missed their brothers; it seemed funny to be such a small family and they did their best to entice old Tim to play with them. But he was too grown-up and dignified and rather slow in moving about, so it was not altogether a success. In the middle of a game he would prick up his ears and listen as if he heard some one calling him. And often he would trot off, pretending he was wanted elsewhere, just as an excuse to get away from the rough, romping pups.
Timette was given her name because she was so like Tim, and Ann hers because, as she was rather old-fashioned looking, it seemed to suit her. The puppies were very much alike, so only those who knew them well could tell them apart, but in character they were very different. Ann was gentle and timid, while Timette was a thorough tomboy, full of spirits and mischief and as bold as a lion.
And now I am going to tell you about the first adventure they had. They lived in a garden that ran into a wood. It was rather difficult to see just where the garden ended and the wood began, for they were only separated by a wire.
Now, Timette and Ann knew that they were not supposed to go out of the garden where they had plenty to amuse them: an india-rubber ball, a piece of wood that looked like a bone, and a bit of rag that did for playing “Tug-of-war.” Ann never had the least wish to wander, for she was much too timid. But, as I said, Timette was different; she was simply longing to go into the wood and have some adventures. She kept talking to Ann about it, making most tempting suggestions and persuading her to go.
TIMETTE AND ANN.
“Two little Airedale pups are we,
Shaggy of coat and of gender ‘she.’”
“Look at old Tim,” she said; “he often takes a walk by himself, and he never comes to any harm.”
“That’s all very well,” Ann answered; “he’s old, and he can take care of himself.”
“Well, and why can’t we take care of ourselves?”
“Because I believe there are wild animals that would eat us up.”
“Whatever makes you think that?” asked Timette, for she knew Ann had very sharp ears and keen scent; “do you smell or hear them?”
“Both,” replied Ann, “only this morning I smelt that some animal had been in the garden. I got on its track and followed it down to the cabbages and back to the wood again.”
“I don’t think much of an animal who only goes after cabbages,” Timette interrupted.
“There are others, too,” continued Ann, “I often hear very strange scratching noises like animals running up trees with terribly sharp claws,” and Ann gave a little shudder.
“Well, what of it?” said Timette boldly. “I shouldn’t mind their claws as long as the animals weren’t bigger than I am.”
“But they might run after us,” suggested Ann.
“They wouldn’t run after me,” boasted Timette, “for I should be running after them!”
“Would you really?” asked Ann, and she sighed, wishing she were as brave as her sister.
“I should say so,” said Timette, “if only you would come, too, we might even catch one. Think what fun that would be.”
“It certainly would,” replied Ann. “Oh, how I should love it!”
“Well, come along,” urged Timette, and Ann came along, and that is how the adventure began.