The Blind Dog

‘Know what happened!’ cried the blind man. ‘This dog ran away. I should have died in a day or two, confined to my corner, no food, not an anna to earn – imprisoned in my corner. I should have perished if it continued for another day – but this thing returned-’
‘When? When?’
‘Last night. At midnight as I slept in bed, he came and licked my face. I felt like murdering him. I gave him a blow which he will never forget again,’ said the blind man. ‘I forgave him, after all a dog! He loafed as long as he could pick up some rubbish to eat on the road, but real hunger has driven him back to me, but he will not leave me again. See! I have got this-’ and he shook the lead: it was a steel chain this time.
Once again there was the dead, despairing look in the dog’s eyes. ‘Go on, you fool,’ cried the blind man, shouting like an ox-driver. He tugged the chain, poked with the stick, and the dog moved away on slow steps. They stood listening to the tap-tap going away.
‘Death alone can help that dog,’ cried the ribbon-seller, looking after it with a sigh.

And then:

1. Brown Of course, I did spare a thought for a little boy I’d seen earlier that day. He was kneeling on...
2. To Whom It May Concern I was run over by the truth one day. Ever since the accident I’ve walked this way So stick my...
3. Catch 22 “They’re trying to kill me,” Yossarian told him calmly. “No one’s trying to kill you,” Clevinger cried. “Then why are...
4. The Betrayal of the West We are racing toward the end of the world and have no plan of escape, but it is considered impolite...
5. Dream-Pedlary if there were dreams to sell, what would you buy? some cost a passing bell, some a light sigh, that...
6. The Grapes of Wrath Beside them, little pot-bellied men in light suits and panama hats; clean, pink men with puzzled worried eyes, with restless...