Coaly

All might have gone well had it not been for Coaly.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Shawn gazed out upon the river and then down at Coaly.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Through the windows he could see the tall sycamores and the white-graveled beach, where he and Coaly had spent so many happy hours.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Coaly gave a yelp of delight and stood barking before the door.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Burney ran for the willows under the bank as Coaly quickened his pace.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Coaly had returned to the original atoms of atmosphere and nothingness.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Burney ran up, but there were no signs of Coaly, not even a trace of bone, hide nor hair.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

When Burney turned to look back toward the wreckage, he saw Coaly coming after them with the dynamite stick in his mouth, the fire slowly creeping up the fuse.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

Shawn put his books on his desk, and Coaly lay down, as peacefully accepting the new turn of affairs.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905

To leave Coaly chained up at home through the long hours; to be separated from this companion, who yelped and begged so hard to be taken along, was becoming more unbearable each day, and there came a day when the pleading eyes brought his release, and together they marched into the school.

Shawn of Skarrow James Tandy Ellis 1905