 Part 2 of Chapter 2 of Stories of Animal Sagacity. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Allison Hester of Athens, Georgia. Stories of Animal Sagacity by W. H. G. Kingston. Chapter 2. Part 2. Dogs. The lost child recovered. In the backwoods of North America lived a settler and his family far away from towns and villages. The children of such families at an early age learned to take care of themselves and fearlessly wandered to a distance from home to gather wild fruits, to fish in the streams, or to search for maple trees from which to extract sugar in the autumn. One evening the rest of the boys and girls had come in from their various occupations, except the youngest, a little fellow of four or five years old. One of his brothers thought he had gone with Silas, and Silas fancied that he was with James and Mary, but neither of them, till then, had missed him. The whole family, thrown into a state of consternation, hurried out with torches, for it was now getting dark, and shouted for him, and searched round and round the clearing far and wide, but he was nowhere to be found. I need not describe their feelings. The next morning they set forth again, searching still further. All day they were so employed, but in vain. They began to fear that poor little Marcus had been killed by a rattlesnake or that a bear had come and carried him off. The next night was a sorrowful one for all the family. Once more they were preparing to set out, when a tall copper-colored Indian, habited in a dress of skins, was seen coming through the forest, followed by a magnificent bloodhound. He approached the settlers and inquired what was the matter. They told him, when he desired to see the socks and shoes that were last worn by the child. They were eagerly produced by the mother. The Indians showed them to his dog, at the same time patting him on the head. The animal evidently comprehended what his master required, and sent him about for a short time, began to bay loudly, then set off, without turning to the right or to the left, through the forest, followed by the Indian and the child's father or brothers. He was soon out of sight, but the Indian knew by the marks on the ground the way he had taken. A long, long chase the hound led them, till he was seen bounding back with animation in his eye and a look which told that he had been successful in his search. The father and his sons hurried after the Indian, who closely followed his dog into their joy, discovered little Marcus, pale and exhausted, but unhurt, with the dog standing over him. He soon recovered and told them how he had lost his way and lived upon berries and other wild fruits till he had sunk down, unable to go further. His life had undoubtedly been preserved by means of the sagacious bloodhound. End of The Lost Child Recovered Dog Waking Up Servants I have told you of Tyroll who used to ring the bell. I will now describe another dog named Dash, who was still more clever. When any of the servants of the family had to sit up for their master or mistress and fell asleep in their chair, scarcely would they have settled themselves when the parlor bell would be heard to ring. They were greatly puzzled to account for this and in vain attempted to solve the mystery. Dash was a black and white spaniel who was generally considered a fairly clever dog but not suspected of possessing any unusual amount of knowingness. He never failed when his master told him to get anything to find it and lay it at his feet. If one glove was missing and the other shone to him, he was sure to hunt about till he discovered it. One morning a person arrived with a letter before breakfast to be delivered into the hands of Dash's master. The man was shone into the parlor where he was about to sit down when his ears were saluted by a growl and there was Dash seated in a chair near the fireplace. The dog was within reach of the ring of the bell pool and whenever the man attempted to sit down, Dash put up his paw on the ring and growled again. At length the stranger, curious to see what the dog would do if he persevered, sat down in a chair. Dash on this instead of flying at the man as some stupid dogs would have done, pulled the bell rope and a servant coming in on the summons was greatly astonished when the man told him that the dog had rung the bell. Thus the mystery which had long puzzled him and his fellow servants was explained. On comparing notes they recollected that whenever the bell sounded, Dash was not to be seen and there could now be no doubt that immediately he observed them closing their eyes. He had hastened off to the parlor, the bell rope of which he could easily reach in order to rouse them to watchfulness. In corroboration of this account, my friend Mrs. F mentioned the case of a Newfoundland dog which was one day accidentally shut up in the dining room when the family were out. He scratched at the door and whined loudly for a length of time but though the servants heard him they paid no attention. At length as if the thought had suddenly occurred to him that whenever the bell was rung the door was opened he actually rang the bell right heartily. The servant instantly obeyed the summons when out sprang the dog wagging his tail with delight at the result of his sagacious experiment and leaving the man in amazement at finding no person in the room. End of dog waking up servants. The sheep dog and his mistresses cloak. There were many instances of dogs showing attention to their owner's interests. Mr. Jesse mentions one which exhibits a wonderful power of reasoning in a dog. The sheep dog used to accompany the farm servants about the farm but ran home to be fed at the dinner hour of his mistress returning afterwards to his duty in the fields. One day as he was approaching the house he met a young woman whom he had never before seen leaving it wearing his mistresses cloak which had in reality been lent to her. Hungry as he was he nevertheless turned about and followed closely at her heels greatly to her alarm hurrying on the dog still accompanied her till she reached the house in which the brother of the dog's mistress resided with whom he was well acquainted. On seeing the young woman enter it the faithful animal turned about and went quietly back to the farm. It was thus evident that from seeing her go into a house which he knew he was satisfied that she was a friend of the family. Had she gone to a strange place he would probably have tried to take the cloak from her. Follow what you believe to be the right course like the faithful sheep dog and though the result may not answer your expectations do not be disheartened. Persevere and acting rightly the reward will come. End of the sheep dog and his mistresses cloak. The dog and the mayor Dogs and horses frequently formed friendships. A Newfoundland dog had attached himself to a mayor belonging to his master and seems to consider himself especially the guardian of his less sagacious companion. Whenever the groom began to saddle the mayor the dog used to lie down with his nose between his paws watching the proceeding. The moment the operation was finished up jump the dog sees the reins in his mouth and led the mayor to her master following him in his ride. On returning home the reins being again given to him he would lead his friend back to the stable. If on his arrival the groom happened to be out of the way he would bark vehemently till he made his appearance and then hand over his charge to him. You may be young and little but if you exercise discretion and judgment you may assist those bigger and older than yourself. Learn from the dog however not to give yourself errors and consequence you will have simply performed your duty in making yourself useful. End of the dog and the mayor The two dogs and their charge I must give you another anecdote somewhat similar to the last a little terrier and another dog equally faithful and sagacious had attached themselves to their master's horse which they always accompanied when it went out. If the master rode out on it to dinner the two dogs used to remain contentedly in the stable with their friend till it was required to carry his master home. One night the gentleman had ordered his horse to be brought but waited in vain for its appearance. At length the groom was summoned when he declared that he dared not take the horse out of the stable as one of the dogs was on its back and the other by its side threatening to attack every person who came up to the animal. The owner observing that the groom was a stranger suspected at once that the dogs would not trust him and had himself to go round to the stable when the faithful animals at once delivered their charge up to him. At the end of the two dogs and their charge crib the bull terrier saving the life of Bob the setter. Two dogs belonged to the family of Mrs. F one Bob a black setter who was like most of his species an excellent swimmer. The other crib a bull terrier who had no love for the water and thought himself ill-used whenever he was compelled to take a bath. Several of the family were walking along the banks of the tweed accompanied by the two dogs when Bob as usual plunged into the water but crib kept close to their heels. The ladies happened to be in earnest conversation and were taking no notice of the dogs when their attention was attracted by a second plunge and Bob was seen apparently seized with a cramp floundering in the middle of the river crib swimming eagerly towards him. Bob sank just as his friend reached him but crib seized him by the nape of the neck in his powerful jaws and thus swam with him to shore. There existed no particular friendship between the dogs and when crib's natural aversion to the water is considered it must be acknowledged that he well deserved the humane society's medal for his gallantry. It is truly a noble deed to save the life of a fellow creature though it but rarely falls to the lot of anyone but though you may never have an opportunity of doing that you may always find numerous ways of rendering assistance to those who may in one form or the other be in one of it and of crib the bull terrier saving the life of Bob the Sutter the Newfoundland dog and the Thevish porter. A grocer owned a Newfoundland dog which used to frequently take charge of the shop while thus lying down with his nose between his paws he observed one of the porters frequently visiting the till he suspected that the man had no business to go there he therefore watched him and following him observed him hide the money he had taken in the stable the dog on this attempted to lead several persons in whom he had confidence towards the place by pulling in a peculiar manner at their clothes they took no heat of him till at length one of the apprentices going to the stable the dog followed him and began scratching at a heap of rubbish in a corner the young man's attention being aroused he watched the animal which soon scratched up several pieces of money the apprentice collecting them evidently to the dog satisfaction took them to his master who marked them and restored them to the place where they were discovered the porter who for some other cause was suspected was at length arrested when some of the marked coin was found on him on being taken before a magistrate he confessed his guilt and was convicted of the theft of the Newfoundland dog and the thievish porter the terrier and the ducklings a terrier which lived at Dunroben Castle many years ago had a family of puppies which were taken from her and drowned how she mourned her offspring and wondered why her owner had been so cruel as to allow them to be earned away her maternal feelings were as strong as those of other creatures and she felt a longing to exercise them at length she caught sight of a brood of young ducklings they were young and required care just like her own dear little welps so seizing them she carried them off one by one to her kennel and would allow no one to take them away they seemed to understand that they had obtained a very good nurse and she watched them with the most affectionate care when however they made their way to the water and plunged in she exhibited the greatest alarm believing that they would be drowned as her own puppies had been no sooner had she reached the shore then she picked them up in her mouth and carried them off to her kennel resolving probably never to allow them to run into the same danger again after the ducklings grew up they were no longer willing to submit to her canine style of nursing she again became the mother of another litter on this also being destroyed she seized two cock chickens which she reared with the same care that she had done the ducklings when however the young cocks began to try their voices their foster mother was as much annoyed as she had been by the ducks going into the water and invariably did her best to stop their crowing you will never want objects on which to exercise your kind feelings the poor you have always with you you must not be disheartened or dissatisfied if they persist in following a different course from that which you think they ought to how often when a baby have you cried lustily when your mother or nurse heartily wished you to be silent and as you grew older perversely ran away into danger when they called after you through life remember that little terrier and like her persevere in befriending those in need end of the terrier and the ducklings the newfoundland dog saving the mastiff I must tell you one more anecdote of two dogs of a similar character to the one I gave you a few pages back but in this instance they were professed enemies it happened at Donagheidi where a pier was in the course of building two dogs one a newfoundland and the other a mastiff were seen by several people engaging in a fierce and prolonged battle on the pier they were both powerful dogs and though good natured when alone were much in the habit of thus fighting whenever they met at length they both fell into the sea and as the pier was long and steep they had no means of escape but by swimming a considerable distance the cold bath brought the combat to an end and each began to make for the land as best he could the newfoundland dog speedily gained the shore on which he stood shaking himself at the same time watching the motions of his late antagonist who being no swimmer began to struggle and was just about to sink on seeing this in he dashed took the other gently by the collar kept his head above water and brought him safely to land after this they became inseparable friends and never fought again and when the newfoundland dog met his death by a stone wagon running over him the mastiff languished and evidently mourned for him for a long time let this incident afford us great encouragement to love our enemies and to return good for evil since we find the feeling implanted in the breast of a dog to save the life of his antagonist and to cherish him afterwards as a friend we may never be called on to save the life of a foe but that would not be more difficult to our natural disposition than acting kindly and forgivingly towards those who daily annoy us who injure us or offer us petty insults and of the newfoundland dog saving the mastiff the newfoundland punishing the little dog you remember the way Byron punished his troublesome little assailant another newfoundland dog of a noble and generous disposition was often assailed in the same way by noisy curves in the street he generally passed them with apparent unconcern till one little brute ventured to bite him in the back of the leg this was a degree of wanton insult which could not be patiently endured so turning around he ran after the offender and seized him by the pole in this manner he carried him to the quay and holding him for some time over the water at length dropped him into it he did not however intend that the culprit should be drowned waiting till he was not only well-ducked but nearly sinking he plunged in and brought him safely to land could you venture to look at a newfoundland dog in the face and call him a brute beast if you feel that you have acted with less generosity than he exhibited end of the newfoundland punishing the little dog the terrier and the bantam among the strange friendships existing between animals of different natures I must mention one formed between a terrier and a bantam the little dog was suffering so severely from distemper that it was necessary to confine her to her kennel which had opened bars in front of it a bantam cock which lived in a yard walking up and down observed the poor little animal engaged at her with looks of deep compassion at last he managed to squeeze himself through the bars the terrier evidently understood his feelings and from that day forward the bantam took up his abode in the dog's prison like a brave physician fearless of catching the complaint of his patient and seldom left it except to pick up his daily food when he did so the dog became uneasy whining till her friend returned the terrier became worse and the bantam redoubled his attentions and for the purpose of warming the dog took his place between her forelegs and then the poor little invalid settled down on the bird apparently to enjoy the warmth afforded by his feathers thus day after day was passed and the closet bonds of affection till the terrier died of the disease from which she had been suffering the bantam appeared inconsolable at the loss of his friend and it was some time before he recovered his usual spirits imitate that little bantam you will find very many human beings in lieu of sick terriers to nurse as willingly as the bird gave up pleasant amusements so rouse yourself from sloth for their sakes and of the terrier and the bantam the compassionate dog which saved pussy's life I must give you another instance still more curious than the former a friendship between two animals a number of rough boys in liverpool had stoned a cat and dragged it through a pool of water no one of the many passers by attempting to stop them when a dog coming up was moved with pity and indignation at the brutal proceedings which ought to have induced the human beings who witnessed it to interfere barking furiously he rushed in among the boys then carried off the ill-used cat in his mouth bleeding and almost senseless to his kennel at the Talibot Inn to which he belonged he there laid it on the straw licked it till it was clean and then stretched himself on it as if to impart to it some of his own warmth on its beginning to revive he set out to obtain food for it when the people of the inn noticing his behavior gave his patients some more milk some days passed before the cat recovered and during the whole time the dog never remitted his attentions to it the cat in return exhibited the warmest gratitude to the dog and for many years afterwards they were seen going about the streets of liverpool together do you not blush for human nature when you hear of boys exhibiting less compassion than a dog? be watchful that you never have calls to blush for yourself end of the compassionate dog which saved pussy's life Fop playing at hide and seek not only can dogs be taught all sorts of amusing tricks but they can play intelligently at games themselves Mrs. Lee tells us of a fox terrier named Fop who used to hide his eyes and suffer those playing with him to conceal themselves before he looked up I should have liked to see jolly Fop at his sports if his playfellow hid himself behind a curtain Fop would go carefully past that particular curtain looking behind the others and the rest of the furniture and when he thought he had looked enough seize the concealing curtain and drag it aside in triumph the drollest thing however was to see him take his turn at hiding he would get under a chair and fancy he could not be seen of course those at play with him pretended not to know where he was hiding and it was most amusing to witness his agitation as they passed once Fop was ill and had taken some homeopathic globules which were supposed to have cured him afterwards when anything was the matter with him he would stand near the medicine box and hold his mouth open to receive a pill he possibly might have had a taste for sugar plums professor Owens tells us of another dog which was taught by his master to play hide and seek when he heard the words, let us have a game he immediately hid his eyes between his paws in the most honorable manner and when his owner had placed a six pence or a piece of cake in the most improbable place he started up and invariably found it young dogs, it may thus be seen enjoy games of play as much as boys and girls do and romping, still more so end of Fop, playing at hide and seek the spaniel and his friend the Partridge here is another instance of friendship existing between a dog and a bird a lady possessed a spaniel named Tom after she had had Tom several years a red legged Partridge called Bill brought from France was given to her she had often seen Tom tease the cats and amuse himself with barking at birds and was consequently afraid to place Bill near him one day however, Bill was brought into the room and placed on the ground a watch being kept on Tom's movements Bill appeared in no way alarmed at his four-footed companion two seemed not inclined to molest him they looked at each other shyly at first like two children when first introduced but Bill hopping forward Tom seemed pleased at the confidence shown in him in a short time they became excellent friends a saucer of bread and milk being placed on the ground they fed out of it together and afterwards would retire to a corner to sleep the Partridge nestling between the dog's legs and never stirring till his companion awoke when the dog accompanied his mistress in a walk the bird which could not be taken showed much uneasiness till he returned and one day when the Partridge happens to be shut up in a room by himself the dog searched all over the house whining mournfully as if he feared some accident had happened to his friend the curious friendship came to an untimely end Tom was stolen and from that time Bill refused food and died on the seventh day a victim to grief for the loss of his companion my dear young friends let the story of this strange friendship awaken in your minds a stronger sense of love and trust not only towards those who may be the friends of your youth but also towards all who may have the care or oversight of you I am afraid there are very many young persons who would display far less genuine grief at the loss of their companions than did the Partridge at the loss of the Spaniel strive then to let your friendship towards them be such that your grief at their loss may be genuine and of the Spaniel and his friend the Partridge the dog which traced his master dogs often show much regard for each other as well as for other animals but they certainly possess a still greater affection for human beings a gentleman having to proceed from the north of England to London by sea left his favorite dog behind while seated one night in the pit of Drury Lane Theatre sometime after his arrival in the Metropolis to his amazement his favorite spring upon him covering him with caresses the dog as soon as he found that his master had departed from the shore broke his chain and set out on his long journey to rejoin him how he traced him must ever be a marvel perhaps he pursued the line of coast till he reached London where it is possible he may have recovered some trace of his lost friend by scent at the landing place this however is so improbable that it is more likely he made the discovery by that incomprehensible power which we call instinct end of the dog which traced his master the dog which traveled alone by railway a Preston paper gave some time ago an account of a dog which traveled alone by railway in search of his master in this instance the animal acted as much as any human being would have done the dog which was well known to the railway officials from frequently traveling with his master presented himself at one of the stations on the Fleetwood, Preston and Longridge line after looking round for some length of time among the passengers and in the carriages just as the train was about to start he leaped into one of the compartments of a carriage and laid down under a seat arrived at Longridge he made another survey of the passengers and after waiting till the station had been cleared he went into the railway station hotel searched all the places on the ground floor then went and made a tour of inspection over the adjoining grounds but being apparently unsuccessful he trotted back to the train and took his late position just as it was moving off on reaching the station from which he had first started he looked round as before then took his departure it seems that he now proceeded to the general railway station at Preston and after repeating the looking round performance placed himself under one of the seats in a train which he had singled out of the many that are constantly popping in and out and in due time arrived in Liverpool he now visited a few places where he had been before with his master he remained overnight in Liverpool and visited Preston early again the following morning still not finding his missing master he for the fourth time took the train on this occasion however to Lancaster and Carlisle at which latter place his sagacity as well as the persevering tact he had displayed and prosecuting his search were rewarded by finding his master their joy at meeting was mutual I cannot too often repeat it let duty be your master be not less persevering in pursuing it than were the dogs I have told you about in seeking their masters end of the dog which traveled alone by railway Neptune or fateful to trust at an inn in Wimburn at Dalsettshire near which a town I resided was kept some years ago a magnificent Newfoundland dog called Neptune his fame was celebrated far and wide every morning he was accustomed as the clock of the minster struck eight to take in his mouth a basket containing a certain number of pints and to carry it across the street to the shop of a baker who took out the money and replaced it by its value in rolls with these Neptune hastened back to the kitchen and speedily deposited his trust it is remarkable that he never attempted to take the basket nor even to approach it on Sunday mornings when no rolls were to be obtained on one occasion when returning with the rolls another dog made an attack upon the basket for the purpose of stealing its contents on this the trusty fellow placing it on the ground severely punished his assailant and then bore off his charge in triumph he met his death with many other dogs in the place from poison which was scattered about the town by a semi-insane person in revenge for some fancied insult he had received from the inhabitants like trusty Neptune deserve the confidence placed in you by battling bravely against all temptations to act dishonestly your friends may never know of your efforts to do so but your own peace of mind will be reward enough end of Neptune or faithful to trust end of part 2 of chapter 2 of stories of animal sagacity part 3 of chapter 2 of stories of animal sagacity this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Allison Hester of Athens, Georgia stories of animal sagacity by W. H. G. Kingston part 3 chapter 2 dogs the affectionate poodle a gentleman residing at Dresden possessed a poodle which he had always treated kindly and which was especially fond of him he at length however made a present of her to a friend living about 9 miles off it being supposed that she would probably try to return to her former master she was tied up till she became the mother of three young puppies and so devoted to them did she appear that her new owner no longer feared she would quit him he therefore gave her liberty shortly afterwards however she and the three puppies were missing search was made for them in vain at length her master's Dresden friend paid him a visit and told him that on the preceding evening the poodle had arrived at his house with one of her puppies in her mouth and that another had been found dead on the road it appeared she had started at night carrying the pups which were still too young to walk one at a time a certain distance intending to go back for the others she had hoped thus to transfer them all to her former much loved home the third puppy was never found the one that died had perished by cold it being winter season end of the affectionate poodle the Newfoundland dog and the hats in sagacity the Newfoundland surpasses dogs of all other breeds two gentlemen brothers were out shooting wild fowl attended by one of these noble animals having thrown down their hats on the grass they together crept through some reeds to the riverbank along which they proceeded some way after firing at the birds wishing at length for their hats one of which was smaller than the other they sent the dog back for them the animal believing it was his duty to bring both together made several attempts to carry them in his mouth finding some difficulty in doing this he placed the smaller hat within the larger one and pressed it down with his foot he was thus with ease enabled to carry them both at the same time perhaps he had seen old clothesmen thus carrying hats but I am inclined to think he was guided by seeing that this was the best way to affect his object there are two ways of doing everything a wrong one and a right one like the Newfoundland dog try to find out the right way and do what you have to do in that way and of the Newfoundland dog and the hats the Newfoundland dog and the wreck how often has the noble Newfoundland dog been the means of saving the lives of those perishing in the water a heavy gale was blowing when a vessel was seen driving toward the coast of Kent she struck and the surf rolled furiously round her eight human beings were observed clinging to the wreck but no ordinary boat could be launched to their aid and in those days I believe no life boats existed at all events, not as they do now on all parts of the coast it was a fear every moment that the unfortunate seamen would perish when a gentleman came down to the beach accompanied by a Newfoundland dog he saw that if a line could be stretched between the wreck and the shore the people might be saved but it could only be carried from the vessel to the shore he knew how it must be done putting a short stick in the mouth of the animal he pointed to the vessel the courageous dog understood his meaning and springing into the sea fought his way through the waves in vain, however, he strove to get up the vessel's side but he was seen by the crew, who, making fast a rope to another piece of wood hove it toward him the sagacious animal understood the object and seizing the piece of wood dragged it through the surf and delivered it to his master a line of communication was thus formed between the vessel and the shore and every man on board was rescued from a watery grave and of the Newfoundland dog and the wreck Dandy the Miser Dandy, a Newfoundland dog belonging to Mr. McIntyre of Edinburgh stands unrivaled for his cleverness and the peculiarity of his habits Dandy would bring any article he was sent for by his master selecting it from a heap of others in the same description one evening when a party was assembled one of them dropped a shilling after a diligent search it could nowhere be found Mr. McIntyre then called to Dandy who had been crouching in a corner of the room and said to him find the shilling Dandy and you shall have a biscuit on this Dandy rose and placed the coin which he had picked up unperceived by those present upon the table Dandy who had many friends was accustomed to receive a penny from them every day which he took to a baker's and exchanged for a loaf of bread for himself it happened that one of them was accosted by Dandy for his usual present when he had no money in his pocket I have not a penny with me today but I have one at home said the gentleman scarcely believing that Dandy understood him on returning to his house however he met Dandy at the door demanding admittance evidently come for his penny the gentleman happening to have a bad penny gave it to him but the baker refused to give him a loaf for it Dandy receiving it back returned to the door of the donor and when a servant had opened it laid the false coin at her feet and walked away with an indignant air Dandy however frequently received more money than he required for his necessities and took to hoarding it up this was discovered by his master in consequence of his appearing one Sunday morning with a loaf in his mouth when it was not likely he would have received a present suspecting this Mr. McIntyre told a servant to search his room in which Dandy slept for money the dog watched her apparently unconcerned till she approached his bed when seizing her gown he drew her from it on her persisting he growled and struggled so violently that his master was obliged to hold him when the woman discovered seven pints half penny from that time forward he exhibited a strong dislike to the woman and used to hide his money under a heap of dust at the back of the premises people thought Dandy was a very clever dog as he was but there are many things far better than cleverness it strikes me that he was a very selfish fellow and therefore like selfish boys and girls unamiable he was an errant beggar too I'll say no more about him pray do not imitate Dandy end of Dandy the miser the dog and the burglar some years ago a stranger arrived at the house of a shopkeeper in Depfort who let lodgings stating that he had just arrived from the West Indies and would take possession of rooms the next day but would send his trunk that night the trunk was brought late in the evening by two porters who were desired as it was heavy to carry it to the bedroom as soon as the family had retired to rest a little spaniel which usually slept in the shop made his way to the door of the chamber where the chest was deposited and putting his nose to it began to bark furiously the people thus aroused opened the door when the dog flew towards the trunk and barked and scratched against it with the greatest vehemence in vain they attempted to draw him away a neighbor was called in when on moving the trunk it was suspected that it must contain something alive they accordingly forced it open when out came the new lodger who had caused himself to be thus brought into the house for the purpose of robbing it if you let lodgings in your heart to strangers take care that your little spaniel conscience keeps wide awake unless some evening a chest may be brought in containing a thief who may rob you before you find out his character the thief may be an evil thought a bad feeling shut up in a chest formed of self-indulgence sloth, vanity and pride at the first alarm wake up break open the chest call in your faithful neighbor and hand over the new lodger to justice and of the dog and the burglar the poodle and the strange robber an English gentleman traveling abroad was accompanied by a favorite poodle on one occasion he met an agreeable stranger at a hotel to whom as they were both going the same way he offered a seat in his carriage no sooner however had the stranger entered the vehicle than the poodle which had from the first shown a dislike to the man manifested even a greater aversion to him than before they put up for the night at a small inn in a wild and little frequented country and on separating to go to their respective rooms the poodle again snarled at the stranger and was with difficulty restrained from biting him the Englishman was awakened in the middle of the night by a noise in his room which the moonbeam streamed and there he saw the dog struggling with his traveling companion on being overpowered the stranger confessed that he had come for the purpose of stealing the traveler's money being aware that he had a considerable psalm with him you have not the instinct which has been given to some dogs and which enables them for their master's protection to detect persons harboring evil intentions towards them but when you meet with a boy or man careless in his conversation a swearer or expressing irreligious or immoral opinions however courteous and agreeable he may otherwise be do not associate with him a moment longer than you can help or he will rob you of what is far more value than a purse of gold and of the poodle and the strange robber the dog holding the thief a dog of the Highland breed belonging to Lord Arbuthnott treated a thief in much the same way as my friend's dog did the robber of his apple orchard the servants going out one morning found a man lying on the ground a short way from the stable with a number of bridles and other horse trappings near him and the dog holding him by the trousers correctly the servants appeared the dog let go his hold when the man confessed that the dog had thus held him for five hours when a bad thought or desire steals into your heart or properly speaking rises in it hold it down as the dog did the thief till you are able to rid yourself of it and of dog holding the thief the faithless watch dog people as dogs are in general I am sorry to have to record an instance to the contrary a watch dog whose special duty was to remain at his post during the night found that his collar was sufficiently loose to allow him to withdraw his head from it whenever he pleased he acted as some human beings do whose right principles do not fit tightly to their necks slipping out of them at the very time they ought to keep them on the dog was, however, sagacious enough to know that if he did so during the day he would be seen by his master when, to a certainty, the collar would be tightened but no sooner did night arrive and the lights began to disappear from the windows then he used to slip his head out of his collar and roam about the neighboring fields sometimes picking up a hair or rabbit for his supper knowing also that the blood on his mouth would betray him he would, after his banquet, go to a stream and wash it off this done he would return before daybreak to his kennel and slipping his head into his collar lie down in his bed as though he had remained there on the watch all night now I must beg my young readers to remember should they be tempted to do what is wrong that however well behaved they may contrive to appear before their friends and acquaintances in their own mind there will always be the unpleasant feeling arising from the consciousness of doing a guilty action End of The Faithless Watched Dog The Shoe Blacks Dog Dogs have been frequently trained to act roguish parts an English officer visiting Paris was annoyed one day by having a little poodle run up to him and rub his muddy paws over his boots near at hand was a seated shoe black to whom he went to have his boots repolished having been annoyed in a similar manner by the same dog several times in succession he watched the animal when he observed him dip his paws in the mud on the banks of the fame and then go to rub them on the boots of the well-dressed people passing at the time discovering at length that the dog belonged to the shoe black the gentleman questioned the man who confessed that he had taught the dog the trick in order to bring business to himself and will you part with your clever dog ask the gentleman the shoe black consented and a price was fixed upon and paid the dog accompanied his new master to London and was shut up for some time till it was believed that he would remain contentedly in the house no sooner however did he obtain his liberty than he decamped and a fortnight afterwards he was found with his former master pursuing his old occupation this story shows the difficulty of getting rid of bad habits improves that his dogs have been trained so will they as well as children continue to act the poor poodle however knew no better he was faithful to his former master and thought he was doing his duty but boys and girls do know perfectly well when they are acting rightly or wrongly and should strive unceasingly to overcome their bad habits end of the shoe blacks dog the terrier and the pen a terrier, deservedly a pet in the family for his gentleness and amiability was playing with one of the children when suddenly he was heard to utter a snarl followed by a bark the mother rushed to her child and believing it to have been bitten drove off the dog no injury however was apparent the dog retired to a corner where he remained in an attitude of regret till the inspection had been finished he then approached the lady and with a touch of his paw claimed attention it was given and forthwith he deposited at her feet a pen the story was thus made plain the child finding the pen had turned the dog's nose into a pen cushion the snarl rebuked the offence and the pen had been taken by the dog with his mouth out of the child's hand no sooner did the dog see that this was understood that he began to lick the little fellow's hand as if to assure him of his forgiveness and to beg him to make friends again which they were ever afterwards I hope that the little boy through his whole life was always ready to profit by the lesson of his dumb companion and to forgive injuries and of the terrier and the pen the dog and his injured friend dogs frequently form warm friendships and help each other in times of trouble two dogs belonging to the same owner had become great friends Ponto and Dick we will call them though I am not quite certain as to their names Ponto's leg being broken he was kept a close prisoner his friend Dick instead of whining out a few commonplace expressions of sympathy dear me I'm so sorry well I hope you will soon get better and then scampering off to amuse himself with other dogs in the village or to run after the cows or to go out hunting came and sat down by his side showing him every mark of attention then after a time Dick started up exclaiming Ponto I'm sure you must be hungry it is the old work for you lying there with nothing to do without waiting for Ponto to beg that he would not trouble himself off he set and soon brought back a nice bone with plenty of gristle on it dear old fella munch away it will amuse you he remarked putting his prize down under his friend's nose after watching complacently as poor Ponto gnawed away with somewhat languid jaws till the bone was scraped almost clean he again set out in search of another after he had brought in several he lay down as before by his friend's side just playing with one of the bones to keep him company thus day after day Dick continued to cheer and comfort his injured friend with unfailing constancy he recovered when dogs thus exhibit disinterested kindness and self-sacrifice how ought human beings to behave to those suffering from pain or sorrow when tempted to run off and amuse yourself leaving a sick friend at home remember these two dogs think of how much suffering there is in the world and what room there is for kindness and compassion and can you then be hard hearted or indifferent to the sufferings of others and of the dog and his injured friend the dog and the surgeon I must tell you of another dog which showed not only affection for a companion but a wonderful amount of sense he once broke his leg in which state he was found by a kind surgeon who took him home, set his leg and after he had recovered allowed him to go away the dog did not forget the treatment he had received nor the person from whom he had received it some months afterward he found another dog whom the same accident had happened by the language which dogs employ he told his friend all about his own cure and assisting him along the road led him late at night to the surgeon's house he there barked loudly at the door no one came so he barked louder and louder at last a window was opened and a person looked out whom he at once recognized and great was his joy when the kind surgeon coming downstairs opened the door wagging his tail he made such signs as he was capable of using to show what he wanted the surgeon soon saw what had happened to his old patient's friend whom he took in and treated in the same skillful way the former patient satisfied that all was right then ran off to attend to his proper duties let us from this kind dog's behavior learn whenever we receive a benefit to endeavor if possible to impart it to others and not to remain selfishly satisfied with the advantage we ourselves have gained the dog preventing the cat stealing the owner of a spaniel was one day called away from his dinner table leaving a dog and a favorite cat in the room on his return he found the spaniel stretched her whole length along the table by the side of a leg of mutton while puss was skulking in a corner he soon saw that though the mutton was untouched the cat had been driven from the table by the spaniel in the act of attempting a robbery on the meat and that the dog had taken up his post to prevent the repetition of the attempt the little animal was thus in the habit of guarding eatables which she believed were left in her charge and while she would not touch them herself she kept other dogs and cats at a distance how much evil might be prevented if boys and girls would always act the part of the faithful little spaniel only as they have got tongues in their head and know how wrong it is to do what is bad can they remonstrate lovingly with their companions who may be about to do a wrong thing and then if this fails do their utmost to prevent them end of the dog preventing the cat stealing one dog getting assistance from another two dogs living in the neighborhood of cupar in faith used to fight desperately whenever they met the one belonging to captain r the other to a farmer captain r's dog was accustomed to go on messages and even to bring meat in other articles from cupar in a basket one day while returning with a supply of mutton he was attacked by a number of currs in the town eager to obtain the tempting prize the messenger fought bravely but at length overpowered was compelled to yield up the basket though not before he had secured some of the meat with this he hastened at full speed to the quarters of his enemy at whose feet he laid down stretching himself beside him till he had eaten it up a few sniffs, a few whispers in the ear and other dog like curses were then exchanged after which they both set out together for cupar where they worried almost every dog in the town and returning home were ever afterwards on the most friendly terms remember that there are no human beings whose conduct at all times is safe to follow revenge is wrong but let us ever be ready to help and defend those who are ill-treated and depressed and of one dog getting assistance from another the pointer and the bad shot dogs like human beings show they can criticize the conduct of those they serve a gentleman from London more accustomed to handle an umbrella than a gun went down to the house of a friend in the country shooting you shall have one of my best pointers said his friend but recollect he will stand no nonsense if you kill the birds well and good if not I cannot answer for the consequences the would-be sportsman shouldered his gun and marched off as he traversed the fields the pointer ranging before him marked bird after bird which were as often missed the pointer looked back suddenly annoyed and after this frequently ran over game at length he made a dead stop near a low bush with his nose pointed downwards his four feet bent his tail straight and steady the gentleman approached with both barrels cocked again the dog moves steadily forward a few paces expressing the anxiety of his mind by moving his tail backwards and forwards at length the bird cartridges slowly rose who could possibly miss them bang bang went both barrels but the birds continued on their flight unharmed the dog now fairly lost patience turned round placed his tail between his legs gave one sad howl long and loud and set off full speed homework leaving the gentleman to holler after him at the top of a gate and continue the shooting as he could by himself if you desire to be properly served by those you employ you must be up to your business I have often heard young people complain that they can do nothing properly the servants are so stupid when they come down late that they were not called in time or if they have not learned their lessons that the room was not ready I dare say when the cockney sportsman returned with an empty game bag he abused the stupid dog for running away end of the pointer and the bad shot bass the great saint bernard dog sir thomas dick lauder had a dog named bass brought when a puppy from the great saint bernard his bark was tremendous and might be distinguished nearly a mile off he was once stolen when a letter carrier well acquainted with him heard his bark from the outside of a yard and insisted on the man who had him in possession delivering him up terrific as was his bark he was so good natured that he would never fight other dogs and even allowed a little king charles spaniel named wraith to run off with any bone he might have been gnawing and to tyrannize over him in a variety of ways if attacked by an inferior enemy he would throw his immense bulk down upon his antagonists and nearly smother him without attempting to bite he took a particular fancy for one of the edinborough postman whose duty it was besides delivering letters to carry a letter bag from one receiving house to another this bag he used to give bass to carry the dog accompanied him on his rounds but invariably parted with him opposite the gate of the convent of saint margaret and returned home on one occasion the postman being ill sent another man in his place bass went up to the stranger who naturally retired before so formidable looking a dog bass followed showing a determination to have the post bag the man did all he could to keep possession of it but at length bass seeing that it was not likely to be given to him raised himself on his hind legs and putting a great four paw on each of the man's shoulders laid him flat on his back in the road then quietly picking up the bag proceeded peaceably on his wanted way the man followed in effectually attempting to coax the dog to give up the bag at the first house at which he arrived the people comforted him by telling him that the dog always carried the bag bass walked with the man to all of the houses at which he delivered and along the road till he came to the gate of St. Margaret's where he dropped the bag and returned home accounts exist of the services rendered by these noble dogs of St. Bernard in saving life among the snowy regions of the Alps it is recounted that one of these dogs preserved 22 lives he at length lost his own in an avalanche when those he was endeavoring to assist also perished and of Bass the great St. Bernard dog the dog and the newspaper several dogs have been taught to go to the post office for their master's newspapers or to receive them from the newsmen a neighbor of mine who was fond of telling good stories which he did not always perhaps expect his guests to believe used to give an account of the cleverness of one of his dogs the dog went regularly every morning into the neighboring town for the times and brought it back before breakfast this was a fact on one occasion the dog returned without a paper so my neighbor used to tell the story his master sent him back again when he once more appeared with no paper in his mouth on this the owner ordered his cob and rode into the town to inquire of the postmaster why the paper had not come sir answered the postmaster two or times did not arrive this morning but when I offered the dog the morning post he refused to receive it end of the dog and the newspaper the steady pointer it is wonderful how completely dogs can be trained to the performance of their duties a well-practiced pointer was about to leap over a rail when she perceived a nest of partridges close to her nose had she moved an inch she would have frightened them away there she stood for more than two hours with her legs on the upper bar awaiting the arrival of the sportsman for some time she was not discovered and not till he appeared would she quit her post when the birds rising some of them were shot but the steady pointer was so stiff when thus relieved she could scarcely move here is an example young readers should endeavor to follow when they have a duty however irksome to perform remain steadily at your post let nothing draw you away do not say I have stopped at work long enough I am sick of it when tempted to give up remember the steady pointer end of the steady pointer the young doctor and pincher one of the cleverest amusing of dogs was pincher a rough scotch terrier belonging to Mrs. Lee's brother the boy had a great fancy to be a doctor having manufactured a variety of surgical instruments out of flint stones he pretended to perform with them operations on pincher who would lie perfectly still while his teeth were drawn his limbs set his veins opened or his wounds bandaged the pretended doctor finally copying the process practiced on pigs used to cut up his favorite entirely the dog was laid on the table when he stuck out his legs as stiffly as possible preparations were first made for cutting off his head and immediately the flint was passed across the throat it fell on one side and remained so completely without motion that it might have been thought the dog fancied it was really off and the end of the succession was then operated on and as the instrument passed round them the dog made them fall putting them as close as possible to the body when the operation was concluded the boy used to exclaim jump up good dog and pincher bounding off the table would shake himself to life again end of the young doctor and pincher Sierra the Ettrick Shepherd's dog Sierra fortunately for his fame possessed a master in James Hogg the Ettrick Shepherd well able to recount his history Hogg bought Sierra of a drover for a guinea observing notwithstanding his dejected and forlorn appearance a sort of sullen intelligence in his countenance though he had never turned a sheep in his life as soon as he discovered it was his duty to do so he began with eagerness and anxiety to learn his evolutions he would try every way deliberately till he found out what his master wanted him to do and when once he understood a direction he never forgot it again or mistook it often when heart pressed and accomplishing a task he was put to he had expedience for the moment that bespoke a great share of the reasoning faculty on one occasion 700 lambs were under Hogg's care at weaning time broke up at midnight and scampered off in three divisions across the neighboring hills in spite of all he and an assistant could do to keep them together the night was so dark that Sierra could not be seen but the faithful animal had heard his master lament their absence and words which set him at once on the alert and without more ado he had silently gone off in quest of the Recreant Flock in vain Hogg and his assistant spent the whole night in searching for their lost charge and they were on their way home to inform their master of their loss when they discovered a lot of lambs at the bottom of a deep ravine and the indefatigable Sierra standing in front of them looking round for some relief but still true to his charge believing that it was only one of the divisions what was their astonishment when they discovered the whole flock and not one lamb a wanting how he had got all the divisions collected in the dark it is impossible to say the charge was left to him for midnight till the rising sun and if all the shepherds in the forest had been there to assist him they could not have affected it with greater propriety than the late many other anecdotes of Sierra on one occasion he brought back a wild you which no one could catch from amid numerous flocks of sheep he showed great indignation when the you being brought home was said at liberty among the other sheep of his master he had understood that the animal was to be kept by itself and that he was to be the instrument of keeping it so by the you being allowed to go among other sheep after he had been required to make such exertion and had made it so successfully to keep it separate a single shepherd and his dog says hog will accomplish more in collecting highland sheep from a farm than 20 shepherds could do without dogs without the shepherds dog the whole mountainous lands in Scotland would not be worth six pence would require more hands to gather a flock of sheep from the hills into their folds and to drive them to the market than the profits of the whole flock would be capable of maintaining here we have an example of a dull unattractive looking dog becoming of the very utmost canine usefulness I have known many an apparently dull boy by perseveringly endeavoring to learn what he has to do and then steadily learning the course marked out for him rise far above his quick in so called clever but careless companions I do not say work for the purpose of rising but work because it is right remember Sierra learn your duty and do it however disagreeable it may seem and of Sierra the Ettrick Shepherd's dog the dog and the fowls a house dog whose kennel was in a farm yard used to have his mess of food brought to him daily in a tin can and placed before his abode no sooner had the cook disappeared than the poultry were in the habit of collecting round and abstracting the contents of the can the dog a good natured animal for their pilfering for some time without complaining but at length as they carried off more than he considered fair he warned them away by growling and exhibiting his teeth notwithstanding this they again returned to the can when the dog instead of seizing some of his persecutors lifted the can in his mouth and conveyed it within his kennel where he finished his meal in peace while the cocks and hens stood watching without afraid to enter and to depend on it you will often find the means of avoiding annoyances much after the method pursued by that sensible house dog without retaliating on those who annoy you if you cannot otherwise pacify them remove the cause of dispute out of sight end of the dog and the fowls barbecoc the greenland dog the dog is the companion of the savage as well as the civilized man in all parts of the world he accompanies the wretched fuguen in his hunts partaking somewhat of the character of his master and is the friend and assistant of the eskimo in the arctic regions the eskimo dogs though hardly treated show great affection for their masters and frequently exhibit much sagacity captain hall the arctic explorer had a greenland dog called barbecar one day they were out hunting on the frozen snow covered sea when a herd of deer appeared in sight chase was given one was wounded but not killed and off went the herd as fleet as the wind now turning in one direction now in another among ice hummocks the rest of the dogs followed in their tracks barbecar however was seen to strike away in a direct line over the snow regardless of the animal's footsteps on and on went barbecar straight for a spot which brought him close upon the deer the latter immediately changed their course and so did barbecar hot in pursuit of them at length the hunters unable longer to endure the cold were compelled to return to the ship believing that the deer had escaped at midday barbecar appeared on board with blood round his mouth and over his body it was supposed that he had fallen in with the deer but not that he could have possibly killed one he however showed his actions that he wished to draw the attention of the crew to the quarter where he had been chasing he kept whining going first to one then to another now running towards the gangway steps then back again at last one of the men having to visit the wreck of a vessel which lay near barbecar followed but seeing that the man went no further off went barbecar to the northwest by himself on this some of the crew convinced he must have killed a deer put on their thick coats and followed him they proceeded nearly three miles when they found barbecar and the other Greenland dogs seated upon their haunches round a deer lying dead before them the throat of the poor animal had been cut with barbecar's teeth as effectually as by the knife of a white man or eskimo and a piece of the tongue had been bitten out as soon as the sailors appeared barbecar jumped up from his watchful position and ran to meet them with manifestations of delight looking up at them as much as to say I have done the best I could I have killed the deer and eaten just one luscious mouthful and now I give up the animal to you and merely ask for myself and companions who have been faithfully guarding the prize such portion as you yourselves may disdain several crows were pecking away at the carcass but barbecar and they were always on good terms sometimes indeed he allowed them to rest upon his back and consequently he did not drive them away on another occasion a party of the explorers were out with a lady and dogs and among them was barbecar they were caught in a fearful gale the snow beating in their faces eskimo dogs are often unmanageable when an attempt is made to force them in the teeth of a storm and so it now proved the leader lost his way and confused the rest the men as well as the dogs were becoming blinded the leading dog directed the team towards some islands but on approaching them it was seen that barbecar was struggling to make a different route happily he was allowed to have his own way and in a short time he led the party direct to the ship end of barbecar the greenland dog the eskimo dog smile captain hall had another dog smile by name the noblest looking and best leader and seal and bear dog ever met with one day he was out with dogs and sleigh where the ice was still firm when suddenly a seal was noticed ahead in an instant the dogs were dashing towards the prey drawing the sledge after them at a marvelous rate led by smile the seal for a moment seemed frightened and kept on the ice a second or two too long for just as he plunged smile caught him by the tail and nippers the seal struggled violently and so did smile making the sledge caper about merrily but in a moment more the other dogs laid hold and aided in dragging the seal out of his hole onto the ice when smile took it in charge the prize was secured entirely by the dogs indeed without any aid from the men end of the eskimo dog smile end of part three of stories of animal sagacity dogs chapter three of stories of animal sagacity this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Allison Hester of Athens, Georgia stories of animal sagacity by W. H. G. Kingston chapter three horses the mare and her foal the horse becomes the willing servant of man and when kindly treated looks upon him as a friend and protector I have an interesting story to tell you of a mare which belonged to captain I an old settler in New Zealand she and her foal had been placed in a paddock between which and her master's residence three or four miles away several high fences intervened the paddock itself was surrounded by a still higher fence one day however, as captain I was standing with a friend in front of his house he was surprised to see the mare come galloping up supposing that the fence of her paddock had been broken down and that pleased at finding herself at liberty she had leaped the others he ordered a servant to take her back the mare willingly followed the man but in a short time was seen galloping up towards the house in as great a hurry as before the servant who had arrived sometime afterwards assured his master that he had put the mare safely into the paddock captain I told him again to take back the animal and to examine the fence more thoroughly still believing must have been broken down in some part or other though the gate might be secure captain I and his friend then retired into the house and receded at dinner when the sound of the horse's hooves reached their ears the friend who had on this got up and looked out of the window saw that it was the mare come back for the third time and observing the remarkable manner in which she was running down apparently trying even to get into the house exclaimed what can that mare want I am sure that there was something to the matter captain I on hearing this hurried out to ascertain the state of the case no sooner did the mare see him then she began to frisk about and exhibit the most lively satisfaction but instead of stopping to receive the accustomed caress off she said again of her own accord towards the paddock looking back to ascertain whether her master was following his friend now joined him and the mare finding that they were keeping close behind her tried it on to the gate of the paddock was reached where she waited for them on its being opened she led them across the field to a deep ditch on the farther side when what was their surprise to find that her colt had fallen into it and was struggling on its back with its legs in the air utterly unable to extricate itself in a few minutes more probably it would have been dead the mare it was evident finding that the servant did not comprehend her wishes had again and again sought her master in whom she had learned from past experience to confide here was an example of a strong maternal affection eliciting a faculty superior to instinct which fully merits the name of reason the aid of a kind master will always be sought in time of need the conduct of the mare speaks much in favor of her owner it is evident that he treated her well had such not been the case is not at all likely that the animal would have persisted in coming direct to him in her time of need be ready then to fly for secure to those about whom you may have found willing to help and serve you and of the mare and her foal the newsman's horse the memory of horses is most remarkable the newsman of a provincial paper was in the habit of riding his horse once or twice a week to the houses of 50 or 60 of his customers the horse invariably stopping of his own accord at each house as he reached it but the memory of the horse was exhibited in a still more curious manner it happened that there were two persons on the route who took one paper between them and each claimed the privilege of having it first each alternate week the horse soon became accustomed to this regulation and though the parties lived two miles distant he stopped once a fortnight at the door of the half-customer at one place and once a fortnight at the door of the half-customer at the other and never did he forget this arrangement which lasted for several years if an animal can thus become so regular in his habits and remember his duties so well as did this newsman's horse surely you my readers whether young or old have no excuse when you forget yours and neglect to be at the appointed place at the proper time and of the newsman's horse the two wise cart horses cart horses though heavy-looking animals are more sagacious than their more gracefully formed relatives a cart horse had been driven from a farm yard to the neighboring brook early one morning during winter to drink the water was frozen over and the horse stamped away with his four feet but was unable to break the ice finding this he waited till a companion came down when the two standing side by side and causing their hoofs to descents together broke through the ice and were thus enabled to obtain the water they required what one person alone cannot do two working heartily together may accomplish we shall find no lack of thick ice to break through the thickest perhaps is the icy opposition of cold stubborn hearts to what is right and good let us beware our hearts do not freeze but take care to keep them warm by exercising them and the service of love and kindness and of the two wise cart horses the author's horse becoming his guide I was once traveling in the interior of Portugal with several companions my horse had never been in that part of the country before we left our inn daybreak and proceeded through a mountainous district to visit some beautiful scenery on our return evening was approaching when I stopped behind my companions to tighten the girths of my saddle believing that there was only one path to take I rode slowly on but shortly reached a spot where I was in some doubt whether I should go forward or turn to the left but heard no voice and reply nor could I see any trace of my friends darkness was coming rapidly on my horse seeming inclined to take the left hand I thought it best to let him do so in a short time the sky became overcast and there was no moon the darkness was excessive still my steed stepped boldly on so dense became the obscurity that I could not see his ears nor could I indeed distinguish my own hand held out at arm's length I had no help for it but to place the reins on my horse's neck and let him go forward we had heard of robberies and murders committed and I knew that there were steep precipices down which had my horse fallen we should have been dashed to pieces still the firm way in which he trotted gave me confidence hour after hour passed by the darkness would, at all events conceal me from the benditty if such were in wait that was one consolation but then I could not tell where my horse might be taking me it might be far away from where I hoped to find my companions at length I heard a dog bark and saw a light twinkling far down beneath me by which I knew that I was still on the mountainside thus on my steady steed proceeded till I found that he was going along a road and I fancied I could distinguish the outlines of trees on either hand suddenly he turned on one side when my hat was nearly knocked off by striking against the beam of a trellis porch covered with vines and to my joy I found he had brought me up to the door of the inn which we had left in the morning my companions trusting to their human guide had not arrived having taken longer though safer route my steed had followed the direct path over the mountains which we had pursued in the morning another horse of mine which always appeared a gentle animal and which constantly carried a lady during my absence ridden by a friend with spurs on my return I found he had on several occasions attacked his rider when dismounted with his forefeet and had once carried off the rim of his hat from that time forward he would allow no one to approach him if he saw spurs on his heels and I was obliged to blindfold him when mounting and dismounting as he on several occasions attacked me as he had done my friend my horse had till that time been a willing, quiet animal how many human beings have, by thoughtless cruel treatment, been turned from faithful servants into implacable foes I must urge my young readers always to treat those who may be dependent on them with kindness and gentleness rather because it is their duty to do so then from fear of the consequence of an opposite course and of the author's horse becoming his guide the wise horse and the pump a horse was shut up in a paddock near Leeds in a corner of which stood a pump with a tub beneath it the groom however often forgot to fill the tub the horse having thus no water drink the animal had observed the way in which water was procured in one night when the tub was empty was seen to take the pump handle in his mouth and work it with his head till he had procured as much water as he required what a wise horse he was how much wiser than some young ladies and gentlemen who, when there is no water in their jugs or their shoes are not cleaned washing rather than take the trouble of getting it for themselves or wear dirty shoes rather than take them down to be cleaned or clean them for themselves my young friend remember through life that sensible horse take the pump by the handle and work away with it till you have brought up the water and of the wise horse and the pump the pony which saved a little girl's life a small pony belonging to a gentleman in Warwickshire was fed in a park through which a canal passes it was a great favorite having been long kept in the family and was ridden by the children a little girl the daughter of the owner of the property had run out by herself into the park and made her way to the banks of the canal as she was playing thoughtlessly near the water she fell in her cries attracted the pony which galloping forward plunged into the water and lifting her in his mouth brought her safely to the shore however weak or apparently inadequate your means you may often if you employ them to the best of your power render essential service to your fellow creatures and of the pony which saved the little girl's life the horse and the shipwreck a remarkable instance of a horse saving a human life occurred some years ago at the Cape of Good Hope a storm was raging when a vessel dragging her anchors was driven on the rocks and speedily dashed to pieces many of those on board perished the remainder were seen clinging to the wreck or holding on to the fragments which were washing to and fro amid the breakers no boat could put off when all hope had gone of saving the unfortunate people a sedler somewhat advanced in life appeared on horseback on the shore his horse was a bold and strong animal and noted for excelling as a swimmer the farmer moved with compassion for the unfortunate semen resolved to attempt saving them fixing himself firmly in the saddle he pushed into the midst of the breakers at first both horse and rider disappeared but they were soon buffeting the waves and swimming towards the wreck calling two of the semen he told them to hold on by his boots then turning his horse's head he brought them safely to land no less than seven times did he repeat this dangerous exploit thus saving fourteen lives for the eighth time he plunged in when encountering a formidable wave the brave man lost his balance and was instantly overwhelmed the horse swam safely to the shore but his gallant rider alas was no more it is sinful uselessly to run even a slight risk of losing life but when, on any occasion need arises for saving the lives of our fellow creatures we should be willing to dare the greatest dangers in making such an effort the fate of the brave farmer must not deter us nor should any failure of others from doing what is only our duty end of the horse and the shipwreck the irish horse and the infant Mrs. F mentions several instances of the sagacity of horses some horses in the county of Limerick which were pastured in a field wrote bounds like a band of unruly schoolboys and scrambling through a gap which they had made in a fence found themselves in a narrow lane along the quiet by-road they galloped helter-skelter at full speed snorting and tossing their mains in the full enjoyment of their freedom but greatly to the terror of a party of children who were playing in the lane as the horses were seen tearing wildly along the children scrambled up the bank into the hedge and buried themselves in the bushes regardless of thorns with the exception of one poor little thing who, too small to run fell down on his face and lay crying loudly in the middle of a narrow way on swept the horses but when the leader of the troop saw the little child lying in his path he suddenly stopped and so did the others behind him then stooping his head he seized the infant's clothes with his teeth and carefully lifted it to the side of the road laying it gently covered on the tender grass he and his companions then resumed their gallop in the lane unconscious of having performed a remarkable act learn a lesson from those wild Irish horses as you hurry along in the joyousness of youth reflect and look before you to see whether there lies not on your road someone who requires your help believe me in your path in your life you will find many poor little infants who require to be lifted up and placed in safety do not be less obedient to the promptings of duty than were those dumb animals to the reason or instinct implanted in their breasts end of the Irish horse and the infant the humane cart horse and the child a carter in Strathmeaglow an old horse which was as familiar with his family as a dog could have been he used to play with the children and when they were running about between his legs he would never move for fear of doing them an injury on one occasion when dragging a loaded cart through a narrow lane near the village a young child not one of his owner's family happened to be playing on the road and thoughtlessly ran directly had it not been for his sagacity he would inevitably have been crushed by the wheels on seeing what had occurred the good old horse took the child up by its clothes with its teeth carried it a few yards and then placed it by the wayside moving slowly all the while and looking back occasionally as if to satisfy himself that the cart wheels had passed clear of it in all his duties equally steady and precise and could be perfectly trusted that is just the character you should aim at deserving to merit being perfectly trusted shows that your talent is employed to the best advantage that you were laboring really and truly from a conscious sense of duty only thus will you labor honestly end of the humane cart horse and the child the fateful horse and his rider horses have been known to fight for their friends both human and canine a farmer near Edinburgh possessed a hunter which had carried him safely for many a day over moreland heath as well as beaten roads he was one day returning from the city where he had attended a jovial meeting when feeling more than usually drowsy he slipped from his saddle to the ground without being awakened by the change of position and letting go the bridle as he fell his faithful seed which had the character of being a vicious horse instead of galloping home as might have been expected stood by his prostrate master keeping as strict a watch over him as a dog could have done some laborers coming at daybreak observed the farmer still sleeping near a heap of stones by the roadside intending to assist him they drew near when the horse by his grinning teeth and ready heels showed them that it would be wiser to keep at a distance he did not probably understand their humane intentions but not till they had aroused the farmer who at length got on his feet would his equine guardian allow them to proceed Mrs. F mentions another instance of a high spirited irish horse which under similar circumstances used to defend his master this man a dissipated character often coming home at night tipsy would fall to the ground in a helpless state had the horse while the man was in this condition forsaken him run over by any vehicle passing along the road but the fateful horse was his vigilant guardian and protector if nobody approached the animal would stand patiently beside his prostrate master till he came to himself he has been known to stand at his post during the whole of the night if anyone came near he would gallop around him kicking out his heels or rearing and biting if an attempt were made to touch him thus the man and the animal changed places the intelligent brute protecting both himself and his brutalized master I have a word to say even on this subject beware lest you take the first step which may lead you to become like the man I have described you cannot expect, like him to have a sagacious horse to watch over you yet at the same time he was less faithful to an erring companion than were those noble steeds to their owners watch over and protect him to the utmost learn to be kind to the thankful and to the unthankful end of the fateful horse and his rider Jack and his driver Mr. Smiles in his life of Renny tells us of a horse called Jack who rode himself to be fully as sensible as the two animals just mentioned Jack's business was to draw the stone trucks along the tramway during the erection of Waterloo Bridge near at hand was a beer shop frequented by the navies and carters Jack's driver named Tom was an honest fellow and very kind to Jack but too fond of spending more time to have done in the beer shop Jack, though a restive animal got accustomed to Tom's habits and waited patiently till an overlooker startled him into activity on one occasion however the superintendent being absent Tom took so long as spell at the ale that Jack became restive and the trace fastenings being long enough the animal put his head inside the beer house door and seizing the astonished Tom by the collar with his teeth dragged him out to his duty at the truck great inconsequence became the fame of Jack amongst the host of laborers like famous Jack do not hesitate to remind a friend of his duty even though you have to seize him by the collar and drag him away to perform it end of Jack the horse which fought for a dog I have given several instances of friendship existing between horses and dogs a fine hunter had formed a friendship with a handsome greyhound which slept in the stable with him and generally accompanied him when taken out for exercise when the greyhound accompanied his master in his walks the horse would look over his shoulder and say in a manner which plainly said let me go also and when the dog returned he was received with an unmistakable nay of welcome he would lick the horse's nose and in return the horse would scratch his back with his teeth on one occasion the groom had as usual taken out the horse for exercise followed by the greyhound when a savage dog attacked the latter and bore him to the ground the horse seeing this threw back his ears and breaking from the groom rushed at the strange dog which was attacking his friend seized him by the back with his teeth speedily making him quit his hold and shook him to a piece of his skin gave way the offender getting on his feet scampered off glad to escape from a foe which could punish him so severely end of the horse which fought for a dog the Arab steed and the chief Montseur de La Martin's beautiful story of the Arab chief and his favorite steed has often been told it shall form one of our anecdotes of horses a chief Abu El-Marik and his marauding tribe had one night attacked a caravan when returning with their plunder they were surrounded by the troops of the Pacha of Acre who killed several and bound the rest with cords Abu El-Marik wounded and faint from loss of blood was among the latter thus bound while lying on the ground at night he heard the neigh of his favorite steed picketed a short distance off anxious to caress the horse for the last time he dragged himself up to him poor friend he said what will you do among these savage talks shut up under the stifling roof of a con you will sicken and die no longer will the women and children of the tent bring you barley, camel's milk in the hollow of their hands no longer will you gallop free as the wind across the desert no longer cleave the waters with your breast and leave your sides in the pure stream if I am to be a slave at least you shall go free hastened back to our tent tell my wife that Abu El-Marik will return no more with these last words his hands being tied the old chief undid by means of his teeth the rope which held the coarser fast but the noble animal instead of galloping away to the desert bent his head over his master and seeing him there helpless on the ground took his clothes gently between his teeth and lifting him up set off at full speed towards his distant home arriving there he laid his master at the feet of his wife and children and dropped down dead with fatigue what a brave example of affection duty and self sacrifice you may never be called on to perform the one hundredth part of the task undertaken willingly by that gallant Arab steed but how are you carrying the tiny light burdens which your everyday duties place on you true heroism consists not so much in the performance of one noble deed which may become the poet's theme but in doing all that we have to do and in seeking to do as much as we can of what there is to be done to the very best of our power and in bearing with patience what we are called on to bear and of the Arab steed and the chief the old charger the horse has been frequently known to recognize his rider after a long absence he is also especially a sociable animal and once accustomed to others of his kind rarely forgets them at the trumpet sound the old war horse pricks up his ears snorts and pauls the ground eager to join his ancient comrades some years ago the assistant to a surveyor was employed to ride along a certain line of turnpike road to see that the contractors were doing their work properly he was mounted on a horse which had belonged to a field officer and though aged still possessed much spirit it happened that a troop of yeomanry were out exercising on a neighboring common no sooner did the old horse aspire the line of warriors and hear the bugle call then greatly to the dismay of his rider he leaped the fence at his post in front of the regimen nor could the civilian equestrian induce him by any means to quit the ground till the regimen left it as long as they kept the field the horse remained in front of the troop and then insisted on marching at their head into the town prancing as well as his old legs would allow him to to the great amusement of the volunteers and the no small annoyance of the clerk who had thus been compelled to assume a post which he would have gladly avoided old habits cling to us as pertinaciously as did those of that ancient war-steed and often when we flatter ourselves that they have been overcome temptation appears and we yield to them as of your do you, my young friends take heed to adopt only good habits and adhere to them and of the old charger and of chapter three of stories of animal sagacity