Once a week I receive a Story of the Week from Library of America. Most of the stories are classic tales written by some of our most beloved authors. When I think I have too much to do I save them in a folder for later reading. I always read the little excerpt they send and sometimes those excerpts make me want to read the story immediately. That’s the case for this week’s story.
A Dog’s Tale by Mark Twain
Written December 1903
. . . Then came the winter. One day I was standing a watch in the nursery. That is to say, I was asleep on the bed. The baby was asleep in the crib, which was alongside the bed, on the side next the fireplace. It was the kind of crib that has a lofty tent over it made of gauzy stuff that you can see through. The nurse was out, and we two sleepers were alone. A spark from the wood-fire was shot out, and it lit on the slope of the tent. I suppose a quiet interval followed, then a scream from the baby woke me, and there was that tent flaming up toward the ceiling! . . .
I clicked the link and went over to read what happened next. There’s a bit of story before you get to the paragraph above but, when I saw the first line, I knew this was going to be one of those clever, witty tales that Mr. Twain does so well.
“My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian.
That set the tone for the writing of the story. I don’t normally care for stories narrated by animals, but this one is an exception. It was cleverly written but it also tugged at my heart. Animal lovers who believe animals have feelings will enjoy this one. I also liked the dog’s story about his mother’s use of big words.
You can read the full story here: A Dog’s Tale by Mark Twain
Short Story Monday is sponsored by John at Book Mind Set.