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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too, by 
+Alfred Elwes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too
+
+Author: Alfred Elwes
+
+Release Date: March 4, 2007 [EBook #20741]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF A DOG ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine D. and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+ADVENTURES OF A DOG,
+
+AND A GOOD DOG TOO
+
+BY ALFRED ELWES
+
+[Illustration: Cover]
+
+[Illustration: A FAMILY PARTY]
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+ADVENTURES OF A DOG,
+
+AND A GOOD DOG TOO.
+
+BY ALFRED ELWES,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF A BEAR," "OCEAN AND HER RULERS," ETC., ETC.
+
+WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY HARRISON WEIR.
+
+  LONDON:
+  GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET,
+  AND 18, BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK.
+
+1857.
+
+  LONDON:
+  THOMAS HARRILD, PRINTER, 11, SALISBURY SQUARE,
+  FLEET STREET.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                            PAGE
+  INTRODUCTION BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA         7
+  EARLY DAYS                                  12
+  CHANGES                                     18
+  UPS AND DOWNS                               25
+  THE INUNDATION                              37
+  PAINS AND PLEASURES                         46
+  DUTY                                        55
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                           PAGE
+  A FAMILY PARTY (FRONTISPIECE)               8
+  LADY BULL                                  17
+  GOOD DOG!                                  22
+  A CANINE BUTCHER                           36
+  AFLOAT                                     45
+  A WORTHY SUBJECT                           54
+  A SEVERE BLOW                              60
+  CONSOLATION                                62
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+I love dogs. Who does not? It is a natural feeling to love those who love
+us; and dogs were always fond of me. Thousands can say the same; and I
+shall therefore find plenty of sympathy while unfolding my dog's tale.
+
+This attachment of mine to the canine family in general, and their
+affection towards myself, have induced me, like the Vizier in the
+"Arabian Nights," of happy memory, to devote some time to the study of
+their language. Its idiom is not so difficult as many would suppose.
+There is a simplicity about it that often shames the dialects of man;
+which have been so altered and refined that we discover people often
+saying one thing when they mean exactly the reverse. Nothing of the sort
+is visible in the great canine tongue. Whether the tone in which it is
+uttered be gruff or polished, sharp or insinuating, it is at least
+sincere. Mankind would often be puzzled how to use it.
+
+Like many others, its meaning is assisted by gestures of the body, and,
+above all, by the expression of the eye. If ever language had its seat in
+that organ, as phrenologists pretend, it lies in the eye of the dog. Yet,
+a good portion finds its way to his tail. The motion of that eloquent
+member is full of meaning. There is the slow wag of anger; the gentle wag
+of contentment; the brisker wag of joy: and what can be more mutely
+expressive than the limp states of sorrow, humility, and fear?
+
+If the tongue of the dog present such distinctive traits, the qualities
+of the animal himself are not less striking. Although the dispositions of
+dogs are as various as their forms--although education, connections, the
+society they keep, have all their influence--to the credit of their name
+be it said, a dog never sullies his mouth with an untruth. His emotions
+of pleasure are genuine, never forced. His grief is not the semblance of
+woe, but comes from the heart. His devotion is unmixed with other
+feelings. It is single, unselfish, profound. Prosperity affects it not;
+adversity cannot make it swerve. Ingratitude, that saddest of human
+vices, is unknown to the dog. He does not forget past favours, but, when
+attached by benefits received, his love endures through life. But I shall
+have never done with reciting the praises of this noble animal; the
+subject is inexhaustible. My purpose now has narrower limits.
+
+From the archives of the city of Caneville, I lately drew the materials
+of a Bear's Biography. From the same source I now derive my "Adventures
+of a Dog." My task has been less that of a composer than a translator,
+for a feline editoress, a Miss Minette Gattina, had already performed her
+part. This latter animal appears, however, to have been so learned a
+cat--one may say so deep a puss--that she had furnished more notes than
+there was original matter. Another peculiarity which distinguished her
+labours was the obscurity of her style; I call it a peculiarity, and not
+a defect, because I am not quite certain whether the difficulty of
+getting at her meaning lay in her mode of expressing herself or my
+deficiency in the delicacies of her language. I think myself a tolerable
+linguist, yet have too great a respect for puss to say that any fault is
+attributable to her.
+
+The same feeling has, naturally, made me careful in rendering those
+portions which were exclusively her own. I have preferred letting her
+say little to allowing her to express anything she did not intend. Her
+notes, which, doubtless, drew many a purr of approval from her own
+breast, and many a wag of approbation from the tails of her choice
+acquaintance, I have preferred leaving out altogether; and I have so
+curtailed the labours of her paw, and the workings of her brain, as to
+condense into half-a-dozen pages her little volume of introduction. The
+autobiography itself, most luckily, required no alteration. It is the
+work of a simple mind, detailing the events of a simple but not
+uneventful life. Whether I have succeeded in conveying to my readers'
+intelligence the impression which this Dog's Adventures made on mine,
+they alone can decide.
+
+  A. E.
+
+  LYNDHURST ROAD,
+  PECKHAM.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA.
+
+
+It may seem peculiar to any but an inhabitant of this renowned city of
+Caneville, that one of _our_ nation should venture on the task of
+bringing to the notice of the world the memoir I have undertaken to edit.
+But, besides that in this favoured place animals of all kinds learn to
+dwell in tolerable harmony together, the subject of this biography had so
+endeared himself to all classes and to every tribe by his kindness of
+heart, noble devotion, and other dog-like qualities, that there was not a
+cat, in spite of the supposed natural antipathy existing between the
+great feline and canine races, who would not have set up her back and
+fought to the last gasp in defence of this dear old fellow.
+
+Many a time has he saved me from the rough treatment of rude and
+ill-conducted curs, when I have been returning from a concert, or
+tripping quietly home after a pleasant chat with a friend. Often and
+often, when a kitten, has he carried me on his back through the streets,
+in order that I might not wet my velvet slippers on a rainy day: and
+once, ah! well do I remember it, he did me even greater service; for a
+wicked Tom of our race, who had often annoyed me with his attentions, had
+actually formed a plan of carrying me off to some foreign land, and would
+have succeeded too, if dear Doggy had not got scent of the affair, and
+pounced on that treacherous Tom just as he was on the point of executing
+his odious project.
+
+I can speak of these things _now_ without the slightest fear of being
+accused of vanity. If I say my eyes were beautifully round and green,
+they are so no longer. If I boast of the former lightness of my step, it
+drags, alas! but too heavily now. If I dwell on the sweetness of my voice
+and melody of my purr at one period, little can be said in their favour
+at the present day, and I feel therefore less scruple in dilating on the
+elegance of my figure, and the taste of my _toilette_, as, when speaking
+of them, I seem to be referring to another individual Puss, with whom the
+actual snuffy old Tabby has little or no connection.
+
+But, it will be said, these last matters have not much to do with the
+object I have in hand. I must not attempt to palm off on my readers any
+adventures of my own under the shadow of a dog. I must rather allow my
+Cat's-paw to perform the office for which it has become noted, namely,
+that of aiding in the recovery of what its owner is not intended to
+participate. I must endeavour to place before the world of Caneville, to
+be thence transmitted to the less civilized portions of the globe, those
+incidents in our Dog's life which he has been too modest to relate
+himself, in order that after-generations may fully appreciate all the
+goodness of his character. To _greatness_, he had no pretension, although
+few animals are aware how close is the relation between these two
+qualities.
+
+I think I see the dear old Dog now, as it has been often my privilege to
+behold him, seated in his large arm-chair, his hair quite silvered with
+age, shading his thoughtful, yet kindly face, his pipe in his paw, his
+faithful old friend by his side, and surrounded by a group of attentive
+listeners of both sexes, who seemed to hang upon every word of wisdom as
+it dropped from his mouth; all these spring to my mind when I recal his
+image, and if I were a painter I think I should have no difficulty in
+presenting to my readers this pleasant "family party." The very room in
+which these meetings were held comes as strongly to my recollection as
+the various young and old dogs who were wont to assemble there. Plainly
+furnished, it yet boasted some articles of luxury; works of statuary and
+painting, presented to old Job by those who admired his goodness, or had
+been the objects of his devotion.
+
+One of these, a statuette representing a fast little dog upon a tasteful
+pedestal, used often to excite my curiosity, the more because Job showed
+no inclination to gratify it. I managed, however, at last to get at the
+incident which made Job the possessor of this comical little figure, and
+as the circumstance worthily illustrates his character, I will relate it
+as the anecdote was told to me.
+
+It was once a fashion in Caneville, encouraged by puppies of the superior
+classes, to indulge in habits of so strange a nature as to meet on stated
+occasions for the express purpose of trying their skill and strength in
+set combats; and although the most frightful consequences often ensued,
+these assemblies were still held until put down by the sharp tooth of the
+law. The results which ensued were not merely dangerous to life, but
+created such a quarrelsome disposition, that many of these dogs were
+never happy but when fighting; and the force granted them by nature for
+self-defence was too often used most wantonly to the annoyance of their
+neighbours. It one day happened that Job was sitting quietly on a steep
+bank of the river where it runs into the wood at some distance from the
+city, at one moment watching the birds as they skimmed over the water, at
+another following the movements of a large fish, just distinguishable
+from the height, as it rose at the flies that dropped upon the stream;
+when three dogs, among the most celebrated fighters of the time, passed
+by that way. Two of them were of the common class, about the size and
+weight of Job; the other was a young puppy of good family, whose tastes
+had unfortunately led him into such low society. Seeing the mild
+expression of Job's face, and confident in their own prowess, they
+resolved to amuse themselves at his expense, and to this end drew near to
+him. Unobserved by their intended victim, with a rapid motion they
+endeavoured to push him head foremost into the river, Master Puppy having
+dexterously seized hold of his tail to make the somersault more complete.
+Job, although thus unexpectedly set upon from behind, was enabled, by the
+exertion of great strength, to defeat the object of his assailants. In
+the struggle which ensued, his adversaries discovered that, in spite of
+their boasted skill, they had more than found their match. One of them
+got rolled over into the stream, out of which he managed to crawl with
+considerable difficulty half a mile lower down; the second took to his
+heels, with his coat torn, and his person otherwise disordered; and the
+fashionable Pup, to his great horror, found himself seized in the
+formidable jaws of the unoffending but own angry dog. Imagine how much
+his terror was increased when Job, carrying him, as I would a mouse, to
+the edge of the precipitous bank, held him sheer over the roaring river.
+The poor fellow could not swim, he had a perfect antipathy to the water,
+and he felt himself at that moment on the point of being consigned to
+certain death without a chance of safety. But he did not know the noble
+heart of the animal he had offended. Job let him feel for a few dreadful
+seconds the danger to which he had been so thoughtlessly and in joke
+about to consign himself, and then placed him in safety on the bank, with
+the admonition to reflect for the future on the probable result of his
+diversions before he indulged in them, and to consider whether, although
+amusing to himself, such games might not be fatal to the animals on whom
+they were played off. The shivering puppy was too much alarmed at the
+time to attend either to the magnanimity of his antagonist or the wisdom
+of his advice, but they were evidently not lost upon him. Many can bear
+testimony to the change which that hour wrought in his character; and
+some weeks after the event, Job received that statue of his little
+adversary, which had so often struck me, executed by a native artist,
+with a long letter in verse, a beautiful specimen of doggrel; indeed,
+gifts both equally creditable to the sculptor and the writer, and most
+honourable to the animal in whose favour they had been executed.
+
+My task will scarce be thought complete without a few words concerning
+the personal appearance of my old friend; although, perhaps, few things
+could be more difficult for me to describe. Dogs and cats are apt to
+admire such very different forms of beauty, that the former often call
+beautiful what we think just the reverse. He was tall, strong, and rather
+stout, with a large bushy tail, which waved with every emotion of his
+mind, for he rarely disguised his feelings. His features were considered
+regular, though large, his eyes being particularly bright and full, and
+the upper part of his head was broad and high.
+
+But none who knew Job ever thought of his being handsome or otherwise.
+You seemed to love him for something more than you could see, something
+which had little to do with face, or body, or tail, and yet appeared in
+them all, and shone clearly out of his eyes; I mean the spirit of
+goodness, which made him so remarkable, and was so much a part of Job,
+that I do believe a lock of his hair worn near one's own heart would help
+to make it beat more kindly to one's fellow creatures. This idea may be
+considered too fanciful, too cat-like, but I believe it notwithstanding.
+
+Such was the Dog whose autobiography I have great pleasure in presenting
+to the world. Many may object to the unpolished style in which his
+memoirs are clothed, but all who knew him will easily pardon every want
+of elegance in his language; and those who had not the honour of his
+acquaintance, will learn to appreciate his character from the plain
+spirit of truth which breathes in every line he wrote. I again affirm
+that I need make no apology for attaching my name to that of one so
+worthy the esteem of his co-dogs, ay, and co-cats too; for in spite of
+the differences which have so often raised up a barrier between the
+members of his race and ours, not even the noblest among us could be
+degraded by raising a "mew" to the honour of such a thoroughly honest
+dog.
+
+  MINETTE GATTINA.
+
+  THE UPPER MEWS,
+  CANEVILLE.
+
+
+
+
+EARLY DAYS.
+
+
+I was not born in this city of Caneville, but was brought here at so
+young an age, that I have no recollection of any other place. I do not
+remember either my father or my mother. An old doggess,[A] who was the
+only creature I can recal to mind when I was a pup, took care of me. At
+least, she said she did. But from what I recollect, I had to take most
+care of myself. It was from her I learnt what I know about my parents.
+She has told me that my father was a foreign dog of high rank; from a
+country many, many miles away, called Newfoundland, and that my mother
+was a member of the Mastiff family. But how I came to be under the care
+of herself, and how it happened, if my parents were such superior
+animals, that I should be forced to be so poor and dirty, I cannot tell.
+I have sometimes ventured to ask her; but as she always replied with a
+snarl or a bite, I soon got tired of putting any questions to her. I do
+not think she was a very good temper; but I should not like to say so
+positively, because I was still young when she died, and perhaps the
+blows she gave me, and the bites she inflicted, were only intended for my
+good; though I did not think so at the time.
+
+[Footnote A: I have preferred adopting this word in speaking of female
+dogs, as it comes nearer to the original, _zaïyen_.]
+
+As we were very poor, we were forced to live in a wretched kennel in the
+dampest part of the town, among dogs no better off than ourselves. The
+place we occupied overhung the water, and one day when the old doggess
+was punishing me for something I had done, the corner in which I was
+crouched being rotten, gave way, and I fell plump into the river. I had
+never been in the water before, and I was very frightened, for the stream
+was so rapid that it carried me off and past the kennels I knew, in an
+instant. I opened my mouth to call out for help; but as I was almost
+choked with the water that got into it, I shut it again, and made an
+effort to reach the land. To my surprise I found that, by moving my paws
+and legs, I not only got my head well above the water, but was able to
+guide myself to the bank, on to which I at length dragged myself, very
+tired and out of breath, but quite recovered from my fear. I ran over the
+grass towards the town as fast as I could, stopping now and then to shake
+my coat, which was not so wet, however, as you would suppose; but before
+I had got half way home I met the doggess, hopping along, with her tongue
+out of her mouth, panting for breath, she having run all the way from the
+kennel, out of which I had popped so suddenly, along the bank, with the
+hope of picking me up somewhere. She knew, she said, that I should never
+be drowned. But how she _could_ know that was more than I could then
+imagine.
+
+When we met, after I had escaped so great a danger, I flew to her paws,
+in the hope of getting a tender lick; but as soon as she recovered
+breath, she caught hold of one of my ears with her teeth, and bit it till
+I howled with pain, and then set off running with me at a pace which I
+found it difficult to keep up with. I remember at the time thinking it
+was not very kind of her; but I have since reflected that perhaps she
+only did it to brighten me up and prevent me taking cold.
+
+This was my first adventure, and also my first acquaintance with the
+water. From that day I often ventured into the river, and in the end
+became so good a swimmer, that there were few dogs in Caneville who could
+surpass me in strength and dexterity afloat.
+
+Many moons came and passed away, and I was getting a big dog. My appetite
+grew with my size, and as there was little to eat at home, I was forced
+to wander through the streets to look after stray bones; but I was not
+the only animal employed thus hunting for a livelihood, and the bits
+scattered about the streets being very few and small, some of us, as may
+be imagined, got scanty dinners. There was such quarrelling and fighting,
+also, for the possession of every morsel, that if you were not willing to
+let go any piece you had seized upon, you were certain to have
+half-a-dozen curs upon your back to force you to do so; and the poor
+weakly dog, whose only hope of a meal lay in what he might pick up, ran a
+sad chance of being starved.
+
+One of the fiercest fights I have ever been engaged in occurred upon one
+of these occasions. I had had no breakfast, and it was already past the
+hour when the rich dogs of Caneville were used to dine. Hungry and
+disconsolate, I was trotting slowly past a large house, when a side-door
+opened, and a servant jerked a piece of meat into the road. In the
+greatest joy I pounced upon the prize, but not so quickly but that two
+ragged curs, who were no doubt as hungry as myself, managed to rush to
+the spot in time to get hold of the other end of it. Then came a struggle
+for the dainty; and those who do not know how hard dogs will fight for
+their dinner, when they have had no breakfast, should have been there to
+learn the lesson. After giving and receiving many severe bites, the two
+dogs walked off--perhaps they did not think the meat was worth the
+trouble of contending for any longer--and I was left to enjoy my meal in
+peace. I had scarcely, however, squatted down, with the morsel between my
+paws, than a miserable little puppy, who seemed as if he had had neither
+dinner nor breakfast for the last week, came and sat himself at a little
+distance from me, and without saying a word, brushed the pebbles about
+with his ragged tail, licked his chops, and blinked his little eyes at me
+so hopefully, that, hungry as I was, I could not begin my meat. As I
+looked at him, I observed two tears gather at the side of his nose, and
+grow bigger and bigger until they would no longer stop there, but tumbled
+on to the ground. I could bear it no longer. I do not know even now what
+ailed me; but my own eyes grew so dim, that there seemed a mist before
+them which prevented my seeing anything plainly. I started up, and
+pushing to the poor whelp the piece of meat which had cost me three new
+rents in my coat and a split ear, I trotted slowly away. I stopped at the
+corner to see whether he appeared to enjoy it, and partly to watch that
+no other dog should take it from him. The road was quite clear, and the
+poor pup quite lost in the unusual treat of a good meal; so I took my
+way homewards, with an empty stomach but a full heart. I was so pleased
+to see that little fellow enjoy his dinner so thoroughly.
+
+This sort of life, wherein one was compelled either to fight for every
+bit one could get to eat or go without food altogether, became at last so
+tiresome to me that I set about for some other means of providing for my
+wants. I could not understand how the old doggess used to manage, but
+though she never had anything to give me, she did not seem to be without
+food herself. She was getting so much more cross and quarrelsome, perhaps
+on account of her age and infirmities, that I now saw but little of her,
+as I often, on a fine night, preferred curling myself up under a doorway
+or beneath a tree, to returning to the kennel and listening to her feeble
+growls. She never seemed to want me there, so I had less difficulty in
+keeping away from her.
+
+Chance assisted me in the choice of my new attempt at getting a living. I
+was walking along one of the narrow streets of Caneville, when I was
+stopped by an old dog, who was known to be very rich and very miserly. He
+had lately invented a novel kind of match for lighting pipes and cigars,
+which he called "a fire-fly," the composition of which was so dangerous
+that it had already caused a good deal of damage in the town from its
+exploding; and he wanted some active young dogs to dispose of his wares
+to the passers-by according to the custom of Caneville. As he expected a
+good deal of opposition from the venders of a rival article, it was
+necessary to make choice of such agents as would not be easily turned
+from their purpose for fear of an odd bite or two. I suppose he thought I
+was well fitted for the object he had in view. I was very poor--one good
+reason, for his employing me, as I would be contented with little; I was
+strong, and should therefore be able to get through the work; I was
+willing, and bore a reputation for honesty--all sufficient causes for old
+Fily (that was his name) to stop me this fine morning and propose my
+entering his service. Terms are easily arranged where both parties are
+willing to come to an agreement. After being regaled with a mouldy bone,
+and dressed out in an old suit of clothes belonging to my new master,
+which, in spite of a great hole in one of the knees, I was not a little
+proud of, with a bundle of wares under my arm and a box of the famous
+"fire-flies" in my paw, I began my commercial career.
+
+But, alas! either the good dogs of Caneville were little disposed to
+speculate that day, or I was very awkward in my occupation, but no one
+seemed willing to make a trial of my "fire-flies." In vain I used the
+most enticing words to set off my goods, even going so far as to say that
+cigars lighted with these matches would have a very much finer flavour,
+and could not possibly go out. This I said on the authority of my
+employer, who assured me of the fact. It was of no use; not a single
+"fire-fly" blazed in consequence, and I began to fear that I was not
+destined to make my fortune as a match-seller.
+
+At length there came sweeping down the street a party which at once
+attracted me, and I resolved to use my best efforts to dispose, at least,
+of one of my boxes, if it were only to convince my master that I had done
+my best. The principal animal of the group was a lady doggess,
+beautifully dressed, with sufficient stuff in her gown to cover a dozen
+ordinary dogs, a large muff to keep her paws from the cold, and a very
+open bonnet with a garden-full of flowers round her face, which, in spite
+of her rich clothes, I did not think a very pretty one. A little behind
+her was another doggess, not quite so superbly dressed, holding a puppy
+by the paw. It was very certain that they were great animals, for two or
+three dogs they had just passed had taken off their hats as they went by,
+and then put their noses together as if they were saying something about
+them.
+
+[Illustration: LADY BULL]
+
+I drew near, and for the first time in my life was timid and abashed. The
+fine clothes, no doubt, had something to do with making me feel so,
+but--I was still very young. Taking courage, I went on tiptoe to the
+great lady, and begged her to buy a box of "fire-flies" of a poor dog who
+had no other means of gaining his bread. Now, you must know that these
+matches had not a pleasant smell--few matches have; but as they were
+shut up in the box, the odour could not have been _very_ sensible.
+However, when I held up the article towards her ladyship, she put her paw
+to her nose--as though to shut out the odour--uttered a low howl, and,
+though big enough and strong enough to have sent me head over heels with
+a single blow, seemed on the point of falling to the ground. But at the
+instant, two male servants, whom I had not seen, ran to her assistance,
+while I, who was the innocent cause of all this commotion, stood like a
+silly dog that I was, with my box in the air and my mouth wide open,
+wondering what it all meant. I was not suffered to remain long in
+ignorance; for the two hounds in livery, turning to me, so belaboured my
+poor back that I thought at first my bones were broken; while the young
+puppy, who, it appears, was her ladyship's youngest son, running behind
+me, while I was in this condition, gave my tail such a pull as to cause
+me the greatest pain. They then left me in the middle of the road, to
+reflect on my ill success in trade, and gather up my stock as I best
+could.
+
+I do not know what it was which made me so anxious to learn the name and
+rank of the lady doggess who had been the cause of my severe punishment,
+but I eagerly inquired of a kind mongrel, who stopped to help me collect
+my scattered goods, if he knew anything about her. He said, she was
+called Lady Bull; that her husband. Sir John Bull, had made a large
+fortune somehow, and that they lived in a splendid house, had about
+thirty puppies, little and big, had plenty of servants, and spent a
+great deal of money. He could hardly imagine, he said, that it was the
+odour of the "fire-flies" which had occasioned me to be knocked down for
+upsetting her ladyship, as she had been a butcher's daughter, and was
+used to queer smells, unless her nose had perhaps got more delicate with
+her change of position.
+
+He said much more about her and her peculiarities than I either remember
+or care to repeat; but, imagining he had some private reasons for saying
+what he did, I thanked him for his trouble, and bid him good day.
+
+Whatever the cause of my failure, it seemed that I was not fitted for the
+match-business. At all events, the experience of that morning did not
+encourage me sufficiently to proceed. So, returning the unsold
+"fire-flies" to old Fily, I made him a present of the time I had already
+spent in his service, and, with a thoughtful face and aching bones, took
+my way towards the kennel by the water-side.
+
+
+
+
+CHANGES.
+
+
+The sun was just going down as I came in sight of the river and the row
+of poor kennels which stood on the bank, many of them, like our own,
+projecting half over the water. I could not help wondering at the pretty
+effect they made at a distance, with the blue river dancing gaily by
+their side, the large trees of the wood on the opposite bank waving in
+beauty, and the brilliant sun changing everything that his rays fell upon
+into gold. He made the poor kennels look so splendid for the time, that
+no one would have thought the animals who lived in them could ever be
+poor or unhappy. But when the rich light was gone,--gone with the sun
+which made it to some other land,--it seemed as if the whole place was
+changed. The trees shivered as though a cold wind was stirring them. The
+river ran dark and sullenly by the poor houses; and the houses themselves
+looked more wretched, I thought, than they had ever appeared before. Yet,
+somehow, they were more homelike in their dismal state than when they had
+a golden roof and purple sides, so, resuming my walk, for I had stopped
+to admire the pretty picture, I soon came near the door.
+
+It was open, as usual. But what was _not_ usual, was to hear other sounds
+from within than the voice of the old doggess, making ceaseless moans.
+Now it seemed as if all the doggesses of the neighbourhood had met in the
+poor hut to pass the evening, for there was such confusion of tongues,
+and such a rustling sound, as told me, before I peeped inside, that
+there was a large party got together, and that tails were wagging at a
+fearful rate.
+
+When I stood before the open door, all the scene broke upon me. On her
+bed of straw, evidently at the point of death, lay my poor doggess. Her
+eyes had almost lost their fierce expression, and were becoming fixed and
+glassy--a slight tremor in her legs and movement of her stumpy tail, were
+all that told she was yet living; not even her breast was seen to heave.
+
+I had not much reason to bear love to the old creature for any kindness
+she had ever shown me, but this sight overcame me at once. Springing to
+her aide, and upsetting half a dozen of the gossips by the movement, I
+laid my paw on hers; and, involuntarily raising my head in the air, I
+sent forth a howl which shook the rotten timbers of the old kennel, and
+so frightened the assembled party as to make them scamper out of the
+place like mad things. The sound even called back the departing senses of
+the dying doggess. She drew me to her with her paws, and made an effort
+to lick me. The action quite melted me. I put down my head to hers and
+felt a singular pleasure mixed with grief whilst I licked and caressed
+her, I could not help thinking then, as I have often thought since, of
+how much happiness we had lost by not being more indulgent to each
+other's faults, forgiving and loving one another. She also seemed to be
+of this opinion, if I might judge by the grateful look and passive manner
+in which she received my attentions. Perhaps the near approach of her end
+gave a softness to her nature which was unusual to her; it is not
+unlikely; but, of a certainty, I never felt before how much I was losing,
+as when I saw that poor doggess's life thus ebbing away.
+
+Night had come on while I sat watching by her side. Everything about the
+single room had become more and more indistinct, until all objects were
+alike blended in the darkness. I could no longer distinguish the shape of
+my companion, and, but that I _knew_ she was there, I could have thought
+myself alone. The wind had fallen; the water seemed to run more gently
+than it was wont to do; and the noises which generally make themselves
+heard in the streets of Caneville appeared to be singularly quieted. But
+once only, at another period of my life, which I shall speak of in its
+proper place, do I ever remember to have been so struck by the silence,
+and to have felt myself so entirely alone.
+
+The moon appeared to rise quicker that night, as though it pitied the
+poor forlorn dog. It peeped over an opposite house, and directly after,
+shone coldly but kindly through the open door. At least, its light seemed
+to come like the visit of a friend, in spite of its showing me what I
+feared, that I was _indeed_ alone in the world. The poor doggess had died
+in the darkness between the setting of the sun and the moon's rise.
+
+I was sure that she was dead, yet I howled no more. My grief was very
+great; for it is a sad, sad thing when you are young to find you are
+without friends; perhaps sadder when you are old; but that, I fortunately
+do not myself know, for I am old, and have many friends. I recollect
+putting my nose between my paws, and lying at full length on the floor,
+waiting till the bright sun should come again, and thinking of my forlorn
+condition. I must have slept and dreamed--yet I thought I was still in
+the old kennel with the dead doggess by my side. But everything seemed to
+have found a voice, and to be saying kind things to me.
+
+The river, as it ran and shook the supports of the old kennel, appeared
+to cry out in a rough but gay tone: "Job, Job, my dog, cheer up, cheer
+up; the world is before you, Job, cheer up, cheer up." The light wind
+that was coming by that way stopped to speak to me as it passed. It flew
+round the little room, and whispered as it went: "Poor dog, poor dog, you
+are very lonely; but the good need not be so; the good may have friends,
+dear Job, however poor!" The trees, as they waved their heads, sent
+kindly words across the water, that made their way to my heart right
+through the chinks of the old cabin; and when morning broke, and a bright
+sky smiled beautifully upon the streets of Caneville, I woke up, sad
+indeed, but full of hope.
+
+Some ragged curs arrived, and carried the old doggess away. She was very
+heavy, and they were forced to use all their strength. I saw her cast
+into the water, which she disliked so much alive; I watched her floating
+form until the rapid current bore it into the wood, and I stayed sitting
+on the brink of the river wondering where it would reach at last, and
+what sort of places must lie beyond the trees. I had an idea in my own
+mind that the sun rested there all night, only I could not imagine how it
+came up again in the morning in quite an opposite quarter; but then I was
+such a young and ignorant puppy!
+
+After thinking about this and a good many other matters of no importance
+to my story, I got upon my legs, and trotted gently along the bank,
+towards a part of the city which I did not remember to have seen before.
+The houses were very few, but they were large and handsome, and all had
+pretty gardens in nice order, with flowers which smelt so sweet, that I
+thought the dogs who could always enjoy such advantages must be very
+happy. But one of the houses, larger than all the rest, very much struck
+me, for I had never an idea of such a splendid place being in Caneville.
+It was upon a little hill that stood at some distance from the river, and
+the ground which sloped down from the house into the water was covered
+with such beautiful grass, that it made one long to nibble and roll upon
+it.
+
+While I was quietly looking at this charming scene, I was startled by a
+loud noise of barking and howling higher up the river, and a confused
+sound, as if a great many dogs were assembled at one place, all calling
+out together. I ran at once in the direction of the hubbub, partly out of
+curiosity and in part from some other motive, perhaps the notion of being
+able to render some help.
+
+A little before me the river had a sudden bend, and the bank rose high,
+which prevented me seeing the cause of the noise; but when I reached the
+top, the whole scene was before me. On my side of the river a great crowd
+had assembled, who were looking intently upon something in the water;
+and on the opposite bank there was a complete stream of dogs, running
+down to the hill which belonged to the beautiful house I had been
+admiring. Every dog, as he ran, seemed to be trying to make as much noise
+as he could; and those I spoke to were barking so loudly, and jumping
+about in such a way, that I could at first get no explanation of what was
+the matter. At last I saw that the struggling object in the water was a
+young puppy, which seemed very nicely dressed, and at the same moment the
+mongrel, who had helped me to pick up my matches the day before, came
+alongside of me, and said: "Ah, young firefly, how are you? Isn't this a
+game? That old Lady Bull who got you such a drubbing yesterday, is in a
+pretty mess. Her thirty-second pup has just tumbled into the water, and
+will certainly be drowned. Isn't she making a fuss? just look!"
+
+One rapid glance showed me the grand lady he spoke of, howling most
+fearfully on the other side of the stream, while two pups, about the same
+size as the one in the water, and a stout dog, who looked like the papa,
+were sometimes catching hold of her and then running about, not knowing
+what to do.
+
+I stopped no longer. I threw off my over-coat, and running to a higher
+part of the bank, leapt into the water, the mongrel's voice calling after
+me: "What are you going to do? Don't you know its the son of the old
+doggess who had you beat so soundly? Look at your shoulder, where the
+hair has been all knocked off with the blows?" Without paying the least
+attention to these words, which I could not help hearing they were called
+out so loudly, I used all my strength to reach the poor little pup, who,
+tired with his efforts to help himself, had already floated on to his
+back, while his tiny legs and paws were moving feebly in the air. I
+reached him after a few more efforts, and seizing his clothes with my
+teeth, I got his head above the water, and swam with my load slowly
+towards the bank.
+
+As I got nearer, I could see Lady Bull, still superbly dressed, but
+without her bonnet, throw up her paws and nose towards the sky, and fall
+back into the arms of her husband; while the two pups by her side
+expressed their feelings in different ways; for one stuffed his little
+fists into his eyes, and the other waved his cap in the air, and broke
+forth into a succession of infantile bow-wows.
+
+[Illustration: GOOD DOG!]
+
+On reaching, the bank, I placed my load at the feet of his poor mother,
+who threw herself by his side and hugged him to her breast, in a way
+which proved how much tenderness was under those fine clothes and
+affected manners. The others stood around her uttering low moans of
+sympathy, and I, seeing all so engaged and taken up with the recovered
+dog, quietly, and, as I thought, unseen by all, slid back into the water,
+and permitted myself to be carried by the current down the river. I
+crawled out at some short distance from the spot where this scene had
+taken place, and threw myself on to the grass, in order to rest from my
+fatigue and allow the warm sun to dry my saturated clothes. What I felt I
+can scarce describe, although I remember so distinctly everything
+connected with that morning. My principal sensation was that of savage
+joy, to think I had saved the son of the doggess who had caused me such
+unkind treatment. I was cruel enough, I am sorry to say, to figure to
+myself her pain at receiving such a favour from me--but that idea soon
+passed away, on reflecting that perhaps she would not even know to whom
+she owed her son's escape from death.
+
+In the midst of my ruminations, a light step behind me caused me to raise
+my head. I was positively startled at the beautiful object which I
+beheld. It was a lady puppy about my own age, but so small in size, and
+with such an innocent sweet look, that she seemed much younger. Her dress
+was of the richest kind, and her bonnet, which had fallen back from her
+head, showed her glossy dark hair and drooping ears that hung gracefully
+beside her cheeks. Poorly as I was dressed, and wet as I still was from
+my bath, she sat herself beside me, and putting her little soft paw upon
+my shoulder, said, with a smile--
+
+"Ah, Job!--for I know that's your name--did you think you could get off
+so quietly without any one seeing you, or stopping you, or saying one
+single 'thank you, Job,' for being such a good noble dog as you are? Did
+you think there was not one sharp eye in Caneville to watch the saver,
+but that all were fixed upon the saved? That every tongue was so engaged
+in sympathizing with the mother, that not one was left to praise the
+brave? If you thought this, dear Job, you did me and others wrong, great
+wrong. There are some dogs, at least, who may forget an injury, but who
+never forget a noble action, and I have too great a love for my species
+to let you think so. I shall see you again, dear Job, though I must leave
+you now. I should be blamed if it were known that I came here to talk to
+you as I have done; but I could not help it, I could not let you believe
+that a noble heart was not understood in Caneville. Adieu. Do not forget
+the name of Fida."
+
+She stooped down, and for a moment her silky hair waved on my rough
+cheek, while her soft tongue gently licked my face. Before I could open
+my mouth in reply--before, indeed, I had recovered from my surprise, and
+the admiration which this beautiful creature caused me, she was gone. I
+sprang on to my legs to observe which way she went, but not a trace of
+her could I see, and I thought it would not be proper to follow her. When
+I felt certain of being alone, I could hardly restrain my feelings. I
+threw myself on my back, I rolled upon the grass, I turned head over
+heels in the boisterousness of my spirit, and then gambolled round and
+round like a mad thing.
+
+Did I believe all the flattering praises which the lovely Fida had
+bestowed on me? I might perhaps have done so then, and in my inexperience
+might have fancied that I was quite a hero. Time has taught me another
+lesson. It has impressed upon me the truth, that when we do our duty we
+do only what should be expected of every dog; only what every dog ought
+to do. Of the two, Fida had done the nobler action. She had shown not
+only a promptness to feel what she considered good, but she had had the
+courage to say so in private to the doer, although he was of the poorest
+and she of the richest class of Caneville society. In saving the little
+pup's life, I had risked nothing; I knew my strength, and felt certain I
+could bring him safely to the shore. If I had _not_ tried to save the
+poor little fellow I should have been in part guilty of his death. But
+she, in bestowing secret praise and encouragement upon a poor dog who had
+no friends to admire her for so doing, while her action would perhaps
+bring blame upon her from her proud friends, did that which was truly
+good and noble.
+
+The thought of returning to my solitary home after the sad scene of the
+night before, and particularly after the new feelings just excited, was
+not a pleasant one. The bright sky and fresh air seemed to suit me better
+than black walls and the smell of damp straw. Resolving in my mind,
+however, to leave it as soon as possible, I re-crossed the river, and,
+with a slower step than usual, took the road which led thither.
+
+
+
+
+UPS AND DOWNS.
+
+
+I should not probably have spoken of these last incidents in my life, as
+the relation of them savours rather too much of vanity, but for certain
+results of the highest importance to my future fortunes.
+
+When I reached the old kennel I found, waiting my return, two terrier
+dogs in livery, with bulls' heads grinning from such a quantity of
+buttons upon their lace coats that it was quite startling. They brought
+a polite message from Sir John and Lady Bull, begging me to call upon
+them without delay. As the servants had orders to show me the road, we
+set off at once.
+
+I was very silent on the journey, for my companions were so splendidly
+dressed that I could not help thinking they must be very superior dogs
+indeed; and I was rather surprised, when they spoke to each other, to
+find that they talked just like any other animals, and a good deal more
+commonly than many that I knew. But such is the effect of fine clothes
+upon those who know no better.
+
+We soon reached the grounds of the mansion, having crossed the river in a
+boat that was waiting for us; and after passing through a garden more
+beautiful than my poor dog's brain had ever imagined, we at last stood
+before the house itself. I need not describe to you, who know the place
+so well, the vastness of the building or the splendour of its appearance.
+What struck me more even than the palace, was the number of the servants
+and the richness of their clothes. Each of them seemed fine enough to be
+the master of the place, and appeared really to think so, if I could
+judge by the way they strutted about and the look they gave at my poor
+apparel. I was much abashed at first to find myself in such a company and
+make so miserable a figure; but I was consoled with the thought that not
+one of them that morning had ventured, in spite of his eating his
+master's meat and living in his master's house, to plunge into the water
+to save his master's son. Silly dog that I was! it did not enter my head
+at the same time to inquire whether any of them had learnt to swim.
+
+If the outside of the mansion had surprised me by its beauty, the
+interior appeared of course much more extraordinary to my ignorant mind.
+Every thing I was unused to looked funny or wonderful; and if I had not
+been restrained by the presence of such great dogs, I should have
+sometimes laughed outright, and at others broken forth into expressions
+of surprise.
+
+The stout Sir John Bull was standing in the middle of the room when I
+entered it, while the stouter Lady Bull was lying on a kind of sofa, that
+seemed quite to sink beneath her weight. I found out afterwards that it
+was the softness of the sofa which made it appear so; for sitting on it
+myself, at my Lady's request, I jumped up in the greatest alarm, on
+finding the heaviest part of my body sink lower and lower down, and my
+tail come flapping into my face.
+
+Sir John and Lady Bull now thanked me very warmly for what I had done,
+and said a great many things which it is not worth while to repeat. I
+remember they were very pleasing to me then, but I am sure cannot be
+interesting to you now. After their thanks, Sir John began to talk to me
+about myself--about my parents--my wishes--what I intended to do--and
+what were my means? To his great surprise he learnt that parents I had
+none; that my only wishes were the desire to do some good for myself and
+others, and earn my meat; that I had no notion what I intended doing, and
+had no means whatever to do anything with. It may be believed that I
+willingly accepted his offer to watch over a portion of his grounds, to
+save them from the depredations of thieves, on condition of my receiving
+good clothes, plenty of food, and a comfortable house to live in. It was
+now my turn to be thankful. But although my heart was full at this piece
+of good fortune, and I could _think_ of a great many things to say to
+show my gratitude, not a single word could I find to express it in, but
+stood before them like a dumb dog, with only the wave of my tail to
+explain my thanks. They seemed, however, to understand it, and I was at
+once ordered a complete suit of clothes and everything fitted for my new
+position. I was also supplied with the most abundant supper I had ever
+had in my life, and went to rest upon the most delightful bed; so that
+before I went to sleep, and I do believe afterwards too, I kept saying to
+myself, "Job, Job, you have surely got some other dog's place; all this
+good luck can't be meant for you; what have you done, Job, that you
+should eat such meat, and sleep on so soft a bed, and be spoken to so
+kindly? Don't forget yourself, Job; there must be some mistake." But when
+I got up in the morning, and found a breakfast for me as nice as the
+supper, and looked at my clothes, which, if not so smart as some of the
+others, were better and finer than any I could ever have thought I should
+have worn, I was at last convinced, that although I was poor Job, and
+although I did not, perhaps, deserve all the happiness I felt, that it
+was not a dream, but real, plain truth. "As it is so," I said again, "I
+must do my duty as well as I am able, for that is the only way a poor dog
+like me can show his gratitude."
+
+After breakfast, I accompanied Sir John to the place of my future home. A
+quarter of an hour's walk brought us to a gentle hill, which, similar to
+the one whereon the mansion itself was situated, sloped downwards to the
+water. One or two trees, like giant sentinels, stood near the top, and
+behind them waved the branches of scores more, while beyond for many a
+mile spread the dark mass of the thick forest of which I have more than
+once made mention. Nearly at the foot of the hill, beneath a spreading
+oak, was a cottage, a very picture of peace and neatness; and as we
+paused, Sir John pointed out the peculiarities of the position and
+explained my duties. It appeared that this part of his grounds was noted
+for a delicate kind of bird, much esteemed by himself and his family, and
+which was induced to flock there by regular feeding and the quiet of the
+situation. This fact was, however, perfectly well known to others besides
+Sir John; and as these others were just as fond of the birds as himself,
+they were accustomed to pay nightly visits to the forbidden ground, and
+carry off many of the plumpest fowl. The wood was known to shelter many a
+wandering fox, who, although dwelling so near the city, could not be
+prevailed on to abandon their roguish habits and live in a civilised
+manner. These birds were particularly to their taste, and it required the
+greatest agility to keep off the cunning invaders, for, though they had
+no great courage, and would not attempt to resist a bold dog, they
+frequently succeeded in eluding all vigilance and getting off with their
+booty. Often, too, a stray cur, sometimes two or three together, from the
+lowest classes of the population, would, when moved by hunger, make a
+descent on the preserves, and battles of a fierce character not seldom
+occurred, for, unlike the foxes, they were never unwilling to fight, but
+showed the utmost ferocity when attacked, and were often the aggressors.
+But those were not all. The grounds were exactly opposite that part of
+the city of Caneville known as the "Mews," and occupied by the cat
+population, who have a general affection for most birds, and held these
+preserved ones in particular esteem. Fortunately, the water that
+interposed was a formidable barrier for the feline visitors, as few
+pussies like to wet their feet; but, by some means or other, they
+frequently found their way across, and by their dexterity, swiftness, and
+the quiet of their movements, committed terrible ravages among the birds.
+When Sir John had told me all this, he led the way down the hill to the
+small house under the tree. It had two rooms, with a kennel at the back.
+The front room was the parlour, and I thought few places could have been
+so neat and pretty. The back was the sleeping-room, and the windows of
+both looked out upon the soft grass and trees, and showed a fine view of
+the river.
+
+"This," said Sir John, "is your house, and I hope you will be happy in it
+yourself, and be of service to me. You will not be alone, for
+there"--pointing to the kennel at the back--"sleeps an old servant of the
+family, who will assist you in your duties."
+
+He then called out "Nip," when a rumbling noise was heard from the
+kennel, and directly after a lame hound came hopping round to the door.
+The sight of this old fellow was not pleasant at first, for his hair was
+a grizzly brown and his head partly bald; his eyes were sunk, and,
+indeed, almost hidden beneath his bushy brows, and his cheeks hung down
+below his mouth and shook with every step he took. I soon found out that
+he was as singular in his manners as in his looks, and had such a dislike
+to talking that it was a rare thing for him to say more than two or three
+words at one time. Sir John told him who I was, and desired him to obey
+my orders; commanded us both to be good friends and not quarrel, as
+strange dogs were rather apt to do; and after some more advice left us to
+ourselves, I in a perfect dream of wonderment, and "Nip" sitting winking
+at me in a way that I thought more funny than agreeable.
+
+After we had sat looking at one another for some time, I said, just to
+break the silence, which was becoming tiresome--
+
+"A pretty place this!"
+
+Nip winked.
+
+"Have you been here long?" I asked.
+
+"Think so," said Nip.
+
+"All alone?" I inquired.
+
+"Almost," Nip replied.
+
+"Much work to do, eh?" I asked.
+
+The only answer Nip gave to this was by winking first one eye and then
+the other, and making his cheeks rise and fall in a way so droll that I
+could not help laughing, at which Nip seemed to take offence, for without
+waiting for any farther questions he hopped out of the room, and I saw
+him, soon after, crawling softly up the hill, as if on the look out for
+some of the thieves Sir John had spoken of.
+
+I, too, went off upon the watch. I took my way along the bank, I glided
+among the bushes, ran after a young fox whose sharp nose I spied pointed
+up a tree, but without catching him, and finally returned to my new home
+by the opposite direction. Nip came in shortly after, and we sat down to
+our dinner.
+
+Although this portion of my life was, perhaps, the happiest I have ever
+known, it has few events worth relating. The stormy scenes which are so
+painful to the dog who suffers them, are those which are most interesting
+to the hearer; while the quiet days, that glide peacefully away, are so
+like each other, that an account of one of them is a description of many.
+A few hours can be so full of action, as to require volumes to describe
+them properly, and the history of whole years can be written on a single
+page.
+
+I tried, as I became fixed in my new position, to do what I had resolved
+when I entered it; namely, my duty. I think I succeeded; I certainly
+obtained my master's praise, and sometimes my own; for I had a habit of
+talking to myself, as Nip so rarely opened his mouth, and would praise or
+blame myself just as I thought I deserved it. I am afraid I was not
+always just, but too often said, "Well done, Job; that's right, Job;"
+when I ought to have called out, "You're wrong, Job; you ought to feel,
+Job, that you're wrong;" but it is not so easy a thing to be just, even
+to ourselves.
+
+One good lesson I learned in that little cottage, which has been of use
+to me all my life through; and that was, to be very careful about judging
+dogs by their looks. There was old Nip: when I first saw him, I thought I
+had never beheld such an ugly fellow in my life, and could not imagine
+how anything good was to be expected from so cross a looking, ragged old
+hound. And yet nothing could be more beautiful, more loveable than dear
+old Nip, when you came to know him well. All the misfortunes he had
+suffered, all the knocks he had received in passing through the world,
+seemed to have made his heart more tender; and he was so entirely
+good-natured, that in all the time we were together, I never heard him
+say an unkind thing of living or dead animal. I believe his very silence
+was caused by the goodness of his disposition; for as he could not help
+seeing many things he did not like, but could not alter, he preferred
+holding his tongue to saying what could not be agreeable. Dear, dear Nip!
+if ever it should be resolved to erect a statue of goodness in the public
+place of Caneville, they ought to take you for a model; you would not be
+so pleasant to look on as many finer dogs, but when once known, your
+image would be loved, dear Nip, as I learned to love the rugged original.
+
+It can be of no interest to you to hear the many fights we had in
+protecting the property of our master during the first few moons after my
+arrival. Almost every night we were put in danger of lives, for the curs
+came in such large numbers that there was a chance of our being pulled to
+pieces in the struggle. Yet we kept steady watch; and after a time,
+finding, I suppose, that we were never sleeping at our post, and that our
+courage rose with every fresh attack, the thieves gradually gave up open
+war, and only sought to entrap the birds by artifice; and, like the foxes
+and cats, came sneaking into the grounds, and trusted to the swiftness of
+their legs rather than the sharpness of their teeth when Nip or I caught
+sight of them.
+
+And thus a long, long time passed away. I had, meanwhile, grown to my
+full size, and was very strong and active: not so stout as I have got in
+these later years, when my toes sometimes ache with the weight which
+rests on them, but robust and agile, and as comely, I believe, as most
+dogs of my age and descent.
+
+The uniformity of my life, which I have spoken of as making me so happy,
+was interrupted only by incidents that did not certainly cause me
+displeasure. I renewed my acquaintance with "Fida," no longer _little_
+Fida, for she had grown to be a beautiful lady-dog. Our second meeting
+was by chance, but we talked like old friends, so much had our first done
+to remove all strangeness. I don't think the next time we saw each other
+was quite by accident. If I remember rightly, it was not; and we often
+met afterwards. We agreed that we should do all we could to assist one
+another, though what _I_ could do for so rich and clever a lady-dog I
+could not imagine, although I made the promise very willingly. On her
+part, she did for me what I can never sufficiently repay. She taught me
+to read, lending me books containing strange stories of far-off
+countries, and beautiful poetry, written by some deep dogs of the city;
+she taught me to write; and in order to exercise me, made me compose
+letters to herself, which Nip carried to her, bringing me back such
+answers as would astonish you; for when you thought you had got to the
+end, they began all over again in another direction. Besides these, she
+taught me to speak and act properly, in the way that well-behaved dogs
+ought to do; for I had been used to the company of such low and poor
+animals, that it was not surprising if I should make sad blunders in
+speech and manners. I need not say that she taught me to love herself,
+for that you will guess I had done from the first day I saw her, when I
+was wet from my jump in the river, and she spoke to me such flattering
+words. No; she could not teach me more love for herself than I already
+knew. That lesson had been learnt _by heart_, and at a single sitting.
+
+Our peaceful days were drawing to a close. Sir John died. Lady Bull lived
+on for a short time longer. Many said, when she followed, that she ate
+herself to death; but I mention the rumour in order to deny it, for I am
+sure it was grief that killed her. It is a pity some dogs will repeat
+everything they hear, without considering the mischief such tittle-tattle
+may occasion--although it has been asserted by many that in this case the
+false intelligence came from the Cats, who had no great affection for
+poor Lady Bull. Whatever the cause, she died, and with her the employment
+of poor Nip and myself. The young Bulls who came into possession of the
+estate, sold the preserves to a stranger; and as the new proprietor
+intended killing off the birds, and did not require keepers, there being
+no longer anything for them to do, we were turned upon the world.
+
+The news came upon us so suddenly, that we were quite unprepared for it;
+and we were, besides, so far from being rich, that it was a rather
+serious matter to find out how we should live until we could get some
+other occupation. I was not troubled for myself; for, though I had been
+used to good feeding lately, I did not forget the time when I was often
+forced to go the whole day with scarce a bit to eat; but the thought of
+how poor old Nip would manage gave me some pain.
+
+Having bid adieu to the peaceful cottage, where we had spent such happy
+times, we left the green fields and pleasant trees and proceeded to the
+town, where, after some difficulty, we found a humble little house which
+suited our change of fortune. Here we began seriously to muse over what
+we should do. I proposed making a ferry-boat of my back, and, stationing
+myself at the waterside near the "Mews," swim across the river with such
+cats as required to go over and did not like to walk as far as where the
+boat was accustomed to be. By these means I calculated on making enough
+money to keep us both comfortably. Nip thought not. He said that the cats
+would not trust me--few cats ever did trust the dogs--and then, though he
+did not dislike cats, not at all, for he knew a great many very sensible
+cats, and very good ones too, he did not like the idea of seeing his
+friend walked over by cats or dogs, or any other animal, stranger or
+domestic. Besides, there were other objections. Strong as I was, I could
+not expect, if I made a boat of myself, that I could go on and on without
+wanting repair any more than a real boat; but where was the carpenter to
+put _me_ to rights, or take out _my_ rotten timbers and put in fresh
+ones. No; that would not do; we must think of something else.
+
+It must not be imagined that Nip made all this long speech in one breath,
+or in a dozen breaths. It took him a whole morning to explain himself
+even as clearly as I have tried to do; and perhaps I may still have
+written what he did not quite intend, for his words came out with a jump,
+one or two at a time, and often so suddenly that it would have startled a
+dog who was not used to his manner.
+
+Nip himself made the next proposal, and though I did not exactly like it,
+there seemed so little choice, that I at once agreed to do my part in the
+scheme. Nip was the son of a butcher, and though he had followed the
+trade but a short time himself, he was a very good judge of meat. He,
+therefore, explained that if I would undertake to become the seller, he
+would purchase and prepare the meat, and he thought he could make it look
+nice enough to induce the dogs to come and buy.
+
+Our stock of money being very small, a house-shop was out of the
+question, so there was no chance of getting customers from the better
+class,--a thing which I regretted, as I had little taste for the society
+of the vulgar; but, again, as it could not be helped, the only thing to
+do was to make the best of it. A wheelbarrow was therefore bought by Nip,
+with what else was necessary to make me a complete "walking butcher," and
+having got in a stock of meat the day before, Nip cut, and contrived, and
+shaped, and skewered, in so quiet and business-like a way as proved he
+knew perfectly well what he was about. With early morning, after Nip had
+arranged my dress with the same care as he had bestowed upon the barrow
+and its contents, I wheeled my shop into the street, and amid a great
+many winks of satisfaction from my dear old friend, I went trudging
+along, bringing many a doggess to the windows of the little houses by my
+loud cry of "Me-eet! Fresh me-eet!"
+
+As I was strange in my new business, and did not feel quite at my ease, I
+fancied every dog I met, and every eye that peeped from door and
+casement, stared at me in a particular manner, as if they knew I was
+playing my part for the first time, and were watching to see how I did
+it. The looks that were cast at my meat, were all, I thought, intended
+for me, and when a little puppy leered suspiciously at the barrow as he
+was crossing the road, no doubt to see that it did not run over him, I
+could only imagine that he was thinking of the strange figure I made,
+and my awkward attempt at getting a living. Feelings like these no doubt
+alarm every new beginner; but time and habit, if they do not reconcile us
+to our lot, will make it at least easier to perform, and thus, after some
+two hours' journeying through the narrow lanes of Caneville, I did what
+my business required of me with more assurance than when I first set out.
+
+One thing, however, was very distasteful to me, and I could so little
+bear to see it, that I even spoke of it aloud, and ran the risk of
+offending some of my customers. I mean the _way_ in which several of the
+dogs devoured the meat after they had bought it. You will think that when
+they had purchased their food and paid for it, they had a right to eat it
+as they pleased: I confess it; nothing can be more true; but still, my
+ideas had changed so of late, that it annoyed me very much to see many of
+these curs, living as they did in the most civilized city in this part of
+the world, gnawing their meat as they held it on the ground with their
+paws, and growling if any one came near as though there was no such thing
+as a police in Caneville. I forgot when I was scolding these poor dogs,
+that perhaps they had never been taught better, and deserved pity rather
+than blame. I forgot too that I had myself behaved as they did before I
+had been blessed with happier fortune, and that, even then, if I had
+looked into my own conduct, I should have found many things more worthy
+of censure than these poor curs' mode of devouring their food.
+
+The lane I was passing along was cut across by a broad and open street,
+the favourite promenade of the fashionables of Caneville. There might be
+seen about mid-day, when the sun was shining, troops of well-dressed dogs
+and a few superior cats, some attended by servants, others walking alone,
+and many in groups of two or three, the male dogs smoking cigars, the
+ladies busily talking, while they looked at and admired one another's
+pretty dresses and bonnets.
+
+By the time I had got thus far, I had become tolerably used to my new
+work, and could imagine that when the passers-by cast their eyes on my
+barrow, their glances had more to do with the meat than with myself. But
+I did not like the idea of crossing the road where such grand dogs were
+showing off their finery. After a little inward conversation with myself,
+which finished with my muttering between my teeth, "Job, brother Job, I
+am ashamed of you! where is your courage, brother Job? Go on; go on;" I
+went on without further delay.
+
+I had got half-way across, and was already beginning to praise myself for
+the ease with which I turned my barrow in and out of the crowd without
+running over the toes of any of the puppies, who were far too much
+engaged to look after them themselves when a dirty little cur stopped me
+to buy a penn'orth of meat. I set down my load just in time to avoid
+upsetting a very fat and splendidly dressed doggess, who must, if I had
+run the wheel into her back, and it was very near it, have gone head
+foremost into the barrow. This little incident made me very hot, and I
+did not get cooler when my customer squatted down in the midst of the
+well-dressed crowd, and began tearing his meat in the way I have before
+described as being so unpleasant. At the same moment another dog by his
+side, with a very ragged coat, and queer little face, held up his paw to
+ask for "a little bit," as he was very hungry, "only a little bit." I
+should, probably, have given him a morsel, as I remembered the time when
+I wanted it as much as he seemed to do, but for an unexpected meeting.
+Turning my head at a rustling just behind me, I saw a well-dressed dog,
+with a hat of the last fashion placed so nicely on his head that it
+seemed to be resting on the bridge of his nose, the smoke from a cigar
+issuing gracefully from his mouth, and his head kept in an upright
+posture by a very stiff collar which ran round the back of his neck, and
+entirely prevented his turning round his head without a great deal of
+care and deliberation, while a tuft of hair curled nicely from beneath
+his chin, and gave a fine finish to the whole dog. But though I have
+spoken of this Caneville fashionable, it was not he who caused the
+rustling noise, or who most attracted my attention. Tripping beside
+him, with her soft paw beneath his, was a lady-dog, whose very dress told
+her name, at least in my eyes, before I saw her face. I felt sure that it
+was Fida, and I wished myself anywhere rather than in front of that
+barrow with an ill-bred cur at my feet gnawing the penn'orth of meat he
+had just bought of me. Before I had time to catch up my load and depart,
+a touch on my shoulder, so gentle that it would not have hurt a fly, and
+yet which made me tremble more than if it had been the grip of a giant
+animal, forced me again to turn. It _was_ Fida; as beautiful and as fresh
+as ever, who gave me a sweet smile of recognition and encouragement as
+she passed with her companion, and left me standing there as stupid and
+uncomfortable as if I had been caught doing something wrong.
+
+[Illustration: A CANINE BUTCHER]
+
+You will say that it was very ridiculous in me to feel so ashamed and
+disconcerted at being seen by her or any other dog or doggess in my
+common dress, and following an honest occupation. I do not deny it. And
+in telling you these things I have no wish to spare myself, I have no
+excuse to offer, but only to relate events and describe feelings
+precisely as they were.
+
+
+
+
+THE INUNDATION.
+
+
+That evening it seemed as if Nip and I had changed characters. It was he
+who did all the talking, while I sat in a corner, full of thought, and
+answered yes or no to everything he said, and sometimes in the wrong
+place, I am sure; for once or twice he looked at me very attentively, and
+winked in a way which proved that he was puzzled by my manner.
+
+The reason of his talkativeness was the success I had attained in my
+first morning's walk, for I had sold nearly all the meat, and brought
+home a pocket full of small money. The cause of my silence was the
+unexpected meeting with Fida, and the annoyance I felt at having been
+seen by her in such a position. This was the first time I had set eyes on
+her for several days. When we left our pretty country lodging, I wrote
+her a letter, which Nip carried as usual to her house, but he was told
+that she had gone on a visit to some friends at a distance, but that the
+letter should be given to her on her return. I had not, therefore, been
+able to inform her of what we had been compelled to do, as I would have
+wished; but thus, without preparation, quite unexpectedly, I had been met
+by her in the public street, acting the poor dogs' butcher, with the
+implements of my business before me, and a dirty cur growling and gnawing
+his dinner at my feet. What made the matter more serious, for serious it
+seemed to me, though I can but smile _now_ to think why such a thing
+should have made me uncomfortable, was, that the whole scene had taken
+place in so open a part, with so many grand and gay dogs all round, to be
+witnesses of my confusion. I did not reflect that, of all the puppies who
+were strutting past, there was probably not one who could have remembered
+so common an event as the passing of a butcher's barrow; and if they
+looked at me at all, it was, doubtless, for no other reason than to avoid
+running against my greasy coat and spoiling their fine clothes. These
+confessions will prove to you that I was very far from being a wise dog
+or even a sensible one; all the books I had read had, as yet, served no
+other purpose than that of feeding my vanity and making me believe I was
+a very superior animal; and you may learn from this incident, that those
+who wish to make a proper figure in the world, and play the part they are
+called on to perform in a decent manner, must study their lesson in the
+world itself, by mingling with their fellows, for books alone can no more
+teach such knowledge than it can teach a dog to swim without his going
+into the water.
+
+Nip and I had our dinner; and when it was over, my old friend went out to
+procure a supply of meat for the next day's business. I sat at the window
+with my nose resting on the ledge, at times watching some heavy clouds
+which were rolling up the sky, as if to attend a great meeting overhead;
+at another moment, looking at the curs in the streets, who were playing
+all sorts of games, which generally turned into a fight, and often
+staring at the house opposite without seeing a single stone in the wall,
+but in their place, Fidas, and puppies with stiff collars, and barrows
+with piles of meat, ready cut and skewered. I was awoke from this
+day-dream by the voice of an old, but very clean doggess, inquiring if my
+name was Mr. Job? I answered that I was so called, when she drew from her
+pocket and gave me a pink-coloured note, which smelt like a nice garden,
+and even brought one to my view as plainly as if it had suddenly danced
+before me, and saying there was no reply, returned by the way she had
+come.
+
+I did not require to be told by whom it was sent. I knew the writing too
+well. The neat folding, the small but clean address assured me that a
+lady's paw had done it all, and every word of the direction--
+
+  +---------------------------------------+
+  |     MASTER JOB,                       |
+  |                                       |
+  |       In the Little Dogs' Street,     |
+  |                                       |
+  |  F.             LOWER CANEVILLE.      |
+  +---------------------------------------+
+
+spoke to me of Fida, and did not even need the F. in the corner to
+convince me of the fact. With her permission, I here give you the
+contents:--
+
+    "MY DEAR JOB,
+
+
+    "I am sorry I was away from home when your letter arrived, and
+    would have told you I was going, but that I thought the news
+    might cause you pain, as I, by some mischance, had got my
+    tail jammed in a door, and was forced to leave home in order
+    to visit a famous doctor, who lives at some distance. He
+    fortunately cured me after a few days' illness, and the tail
+    wags now as freely as ever, although it was very annoying, as
+    well as ridiculous, to see me walking up and down the room
+    with that wounded member so wrapped up that it was as thick as
+    my whole body, and was quite a load to drag about.
+
+    "But, dear Job, I do not write this to talk about myself,
+    though I am forced to give you this explanation of my silence:
+    what I wish is to say something about _you_. And to begin, as
+    you have always been a good, kind dog, and listened to me
+    patiently when I have praised, you must now be just as kind
+    and good, and even more patient, because I am going to scold.
+
+    "Dear Job, when I met you this morning in your new dress and
+    occupation, I had not then read your letter. I had but just
+    returned, and was taking a walk with my brother, who had
+    arrived from abroad during my absence. I knew you at once, in
+    spite of your change of costume, and though I did not
+    particularly like the business you had chosen, I felt certain
+    you had good reasons for having selected it. But when I looked
+    in your face, instead of the smile of welcome which I expected
+    from you, I could read nothing but shame, confusion, and
+    annoyance. Why? dear Job, why? If you were _ashamed_ of your
+    occupation, why had you chosen it? I suppose when you took it
+    up, you resolved to do your duty in it properly; then why feel
+    _shame_ because _your friend_ sees you, as you must have
+    thought she would one day see you, since the nature of your
+    new business carries you into different parts of the city?
+
+    "But, dear Job, I feel certain, and I would like you to be
+    equally sure, that there is no need of _shame_ in following
+    any busines which is _honest_, and which can be carried on
+    without doing injury to others. It is not the business,
+    believe me, dear Job, which lowers a dog; _he himself_ is
+    alone capable of _lowering_ himself, and one dog may be truly
+    good and noble, though he drive a meat-barrow about the
+    streets, while another may be a miserable, mean animal, though
+    living in a palace and never soiling his paws.
+
+    "I have a great deal more to say, my dear Job, upon this
+    subject, but I must leave the rest till I see you. I have
+    already crossed and recrossed my note, and may be most
+    difficult to understand where I most want to be clear. Here is
+    a nice open space, however, in the corner, which I seize on
+    with pleasure to write myself most distinctly,
+
+
+    "Your friend,
+
+    "FIDA."
+
+A variety of feelings passed through my mind as I read these lines. But
+they were all lost in my wonder at Fida's cleverness in being able to
+read my face, as if it had been a book. I was grateful to her for the
+good advice she gave me, and now felt ashamed for having been ashamed
+before. The best way I thought to prove my thankfulness would be to act
+openly and naturally as Fida had pointed out, for I could not help
+confessing, as my eyes looked again and again over her note, that she was
+quite right, and that I had acted like a very silly animal.
+
+I was interrupted during my reflections by the bursting of rain upon the
+house-roofs, and the stream which rose from the streets as the large
+drops came faster and faster down. I went to the door to look for my old
+friend, but not a dog was to be seen. I was surprised at the sight of the
+sky where I had observed the clouds rising a little while before, for now
+those same clouds looked like big rocks piled one above another, with
+patches of light shining through great caverns.
+
+As I stared eagerly down the street, torrents of water poured from above,
+which, instead of diminishing, seemed to be growing more terrible every
+moment. I had never seen so fearful a storm. It did not appear like mere
+rain which was falling; the water came down in broad sheets, and changed
+the road into a river. I got more and more anxious about old Nip. It was
+getting dark, and I knew he was not strong. My hope was that he had
+taken shelter somewhere; but I could not rest, for I was sure he would
+try and get home, if only to quiet me. While running in and out in my
+anxiety--the water having meanwhile risen above the sill of the door, and
+poured into our little house, where it was already above my paws--I spied
+a dark figure crawling along the street, and with great difficulty making
+way against the beating of the storm. I at once rushed out, and swimming
+rather than running towards the object, I found my poor friend almost
+spent with fatigue, and scarcely able to move, having a heavy load to
+carry besides his own old limbs, which were not fit to battle with such a
+tempest. I caught up his package; and assisting him as well as I was
+able, we at length got to our cottage, though we were forced to get upon
+the bench that stood by the wall to keep our legs out of the water. The
+rain had now become a perfect deluge. A stream of water went hissing down
+the street, and rushed in and out of the houses as if they had been
+baths.
+
+When Nip recovered breath, he told me that terrible things were happening
+in the parts of the city by the waterside. The river had swollen so much,
+that some kennels had been carried away by the current, and it was
+impossible to learn how many poor dogs had been drowned. This news made
+me jump again from the bench where I had been sitting.
+
+"What is it?" said Nip.
+
+"I am going out, Nip," replied I. "I must not be idle here, when I can,
+perhaps, be of use somewhere else."
+
+"That is true," said Nip; "but, Job, strong as you are, the storm is
+stronger."
+
+"Yes, Nip," answered I; "but there are dogs weaker than myself who may
+require such assistance as I can give them, and it is not a time for a
+dog to sit with his tail curled round him, when there are
+fellow-creatures who may want a helping paw. So good-bye, old friend; try
+and go to sleep; you have done your duty as long as your strength let
+you, it is now for me to do mine." Without waiting for a reply, I rushed
+out at the door.
+
+It did not need much exertion to get through our street or the next, or
+the next after that, for as they all sloped downwards, the water more
+than once took me off my legs, and carried me along. Sad as Nip's news
+had been, I was not prepared for the terrible scene which met my eyes
+when I got near the river. The houses at the lower part of the street I
+had reached had been swept away by the torrent, and a crowd of shivering
+dogs stood looking at the groaning river as it rolled past in great waves
+as white as milk, in which black objects, either portions of some kennel
+or articles of furniture, were floating. Every now and then, a howl would
+break from a doggess in the crowd, as a dead body was seen tossed about
+by the angry water; and the same dolorous cries might be heard from
+different quarters, mixed up with the roar of the river.
+
+While standing with a group of three or four, staring with astonishment
+at the frightful scene, uncertain what to do, a howl was heard from
+another direction, so piercing that it made many of us run to learn the
+cause. The pale light showed us that the torrent had snapped the supports
+of a house at some distance from the river's bank, but which the swollen
+stream had now reached, and carried away at least half the building. By
+some curious chance, the broken timbers had become fixed for the moment
+in the boiling water, which, angry at the obstruction, was rushing round
+or flying completely over them; and it was easy to see that in a very
+short time the mass would be swept away. Upon the timbers thus exposed
+were three little pups scarce two months old, yelping most dismally as
+they crouched together, or crawled to the edge of their raft; while on
+the floor of the ruin from which this side had been torn away, was their
+poor mother, whose fearful howl had attracted us thither, and who was
+running from side to side of the shattered hut as if she was frantic.
+
+Great as the danger was, I could not bear to think the wretched mother
+should see her little ones swallowed up by the stormy water, before her
+very eyes, without a single attempt being made to save them. Although I
+could scarcely hope even to reach them in safety, and in no case could
+bring more than one of them to land at once, if I even got so far, I
+resolved to make the trial. Better save one, I thought, than let all die.
+
+Holding my breath, I launched into the current in the direction of the
+raft, and soon found that I had not been wrong in calculating the
+difficulties and dangers of the undertaking. It was not the water alone
+which made the peril so great, though the eddies seemed at every moment
+to be pulling me to the bottom, but there were so many things rushing
+along with the stream as to threaten to crush me as they flew by; and had
+they struck me, there is no doubt there would have been an end of my
+adventures. Avoiding them all, though I know not how, I was getting near
+the spot where the little pups were crying for their mother, when I felt
+myself caught in an eddy and dragged beneath the water. Without losing
+courage, but not allowing myself to breathe, I made a strong effort, and
+at last, got my head above the surface again; but where was the raft?
+Where were the helpless puppies? All had gone--not a trace was left to
+tell where they had been--the river foamed over the spot that had held
+them for a time, and was now rushing along as if boasting of its
+strength.
+
+Seeing my intentions thus defeated, I turned my head towards the shore,
+resolving to swim to land. To my surprise, I found that I made no
+progress. I put out all my strength--I fought with the water--I threw
+myself forward--it was in vain--I could not move a paw's breadth against
+the current. I turned to another point--I again used every exertion--all
+was useless--I felt my tired limbs sink under me--I felt the stream
+sweeping me away--my head turned round in the agony of that moment, and I
+moaned aloud.
+
+My strength was now gone--I could scarce move a paw to keep my head down
+the river. A dark object came near--it was a large piece of timber,
+probably a portion of some ruined building. Seizing it as well as my
+weakness would permit me, I laid my paws over the floating wood, and,
+dragging my body a little more out of the water, got some rest from my
+terrible labours.
+
+[Illustration: AFLOAT]
+
+Where was I hurrying to? I knew not. Every familiar object must have been
+long passed, but it was too obscure to make out anything except the angry
+torrent. On, on I went, in darkness and in fear--yes, great fear, not of
+death, but a fear caused by the strangeness of my position, and the
+uncertainty before me; on, on, till the black shores seemed to fly from
+each other, and the river to grow and grow until all land had
+disappeared, and nothing but the water met my aching eyes. I closed them
+to shut out the scene, and tried to forget my misery.
+
+Had I slept? And what was the loud noise which startled me so that I had
+nearly let go my hold? I roused myself--I looked around--I was tossing up
+and down with a regular motion, but could see nothing clearly, I was no
+longer carried forward so swiftly as before, but the dim light prevented
+me making out the place I was now in.
+
+Suddenly, a flash broke from the black clouds, and for a single moment
+shed a blue light over everything. What a spectacle! All around, for
+miles and miles and miles, was nothing but dancing water, like shining
+hills with milky tops, but not a living creature beside myself to keep me
+company, or say a kind word, or listen to me when I spoke, or pity me
+when I moaned! Oh! who could tell what I then felt, what I feared, and
+what I suffered! Alone! alone!
+
+When I think, as I often do now, of that terrible scene, and figure to
+myself my drenched body clinging to that piece of timber, I seem to feel
+a strange pity for the miserable dog thus left, as it seemed, to die,
+away from all his fellows, without a friendly howl raised, to show there
+was a single being to regret his loss--and I cannot help at such times
+murmuring to myself, as if it were some other animal, "Poor Job! poor
+dog!"
+
+I remember a dimness coming over my eyes after I had beheld that world of
+water--I have a faint recollection of thinking of Fida--of poor Nip--of
+the drowning puppies I had tried in vain, to save--of my passing through
+the streets of Caneville with my meat-barrow, and wondering how I could
+have been so foolish as to feel ashamed of doing so--and then--and
+then--I remember nothing more.
+
+
+
+
+PAINS AND PLEASURES.
+
+
+When I again opened my eyes after the deep sleep which had fallen upon
+me, morning was just breaking, and a grey light was in the sky and on the
+clouds which dotted it all over.
+
+As I looked round, you may well think, with hope and anxiety, still
+nothing met my view but the great world of water, broken up into a
+multitude of little hills. I now understood that I was on the sea, where
+I had been borne by the rushing river; that sea of which I had often
+read, but which I could form no idea about till this moment.
+
+The sad thought struck me that I must stop there, tossed about by the
+wind and beaten by the waves, until I should die of hunger, or that,
+spent with fatigue, my limbs would refuse to sustain me longer, and I
+should be devoured by some of the monsters of the deep, who are always on
+the watch for prey.
+
+Such reflections did not help to make my position more comfortable, and
+it was painful enough in itself without them. It was certain, however,
+that complaint or sorrow could be of no service, and might be just the
+contrary, as the indulging in either would, probably, prevent my doing
+what was necessary to try and save myself should an opportunity offer.
+
+The grey light, in the meantime, had become warmer and warmer in its
+tone, until the face of every cloud towards the east was tinged with
+gold. While I was admiring the beautiful sight, for it was so beautiful
+that it made me forget for a time my sad position, my eyes were caught
+by the shining arch of the rising sun, as it sprang all of a sudden above
+the surface of the sea. Oh! never shall I forget the view! Between me and
+the brilliant orb lay a pathway of gold, which rose, and fell, and
+glittered, and got at last so broad and dazzling, that my eyes could look
+at it no longer. I knew it was but the sun's light upon the water, but it
+looked so firm, that I could almost fancy I should be able to spring upon
+it, and run on and on until I reached some friendly country. But alas!
+there seemed little chance of such a thing happening as my ever reaching
+land again.
+
+As the sun got high up, and poured his rays on to the sea, I began to
+feel a craving for food, and, though surrounded with water, yet the want
+of some to drink. When the thirst came upon me, I at first lapped up a
+few drops of the sea-water with avidity, but I soon found that it was not
+fit to drink, and that the little I had taken only made my thirst the
+greater. In the midst of my suffering, a poor bird came fluttering
+heavily along, as if his wings were scarce able to support his weight.
+Every little object was interesting to me just then, and as I sat upon my
+piece of timber I looked up at the trembling creature, and began
+comparing his fate with my own. "Ah, Job," I said, half-aloud, "you
+thought, perhaps, that you were the only unhappy being in the world. Look
+at that poor fowl; there he is, far away from land, from his home, from
+his friends, perhaps his little ones (for many birds have large
+families), with tired wings, and not a piece of ground as broad as his
+own tail for him to rest upon. He must go on, fatigued though he may be,
+for if he fall, nothing can prevent his death; the water will pour among
+his feathers, clog his wings, and not only prevent him ever rising more
+into the air, but pull him down until his life is gone. So, Job, badly
+off as you are just now, there is another, as you see, whose fate is
+worse; and who shall say that in other places, where your eye cannot
+reach, there are not others yet so very, very miserable, that they would
+willingly, oh! how willingly! change places with you, or with that poor
+fluttering bird?"
+
+This talk with myself quieted me for a time, and I felt a certain joy
+when I saw the bird slowly descend, and having spied my uncomfortable
+boat, perch heavily on the other end of it. He did not do so until he had
+looked at me with evident alarm; and, worn out as he was, and his heart
+beating as though it would burst through his yellow coat, he still kept
+his eyes fixed upon me, ready to take wing and resume his journey,
+wherever he might be going, at the least motion I should make.
+
+Some time passed over in this way; myself in the middle, and Dicky at the
+end of the beam. We did not say a word to each other; for, as I spoke no
+other language but my own, and he seemed about as clever as myself, we
+merely talked with our eyes.
+
+A thought now came into my head. My thirst returned, and I felt very
+hungry. What if I should suddenly dart on little Dicky, and make a meal
+of him? I did not consider at the instant that, by so doing, I should be
+acting a very base part, for Dicky had placed confidence in me; and
+killing him for trusting to my honour, and eating him because he was poor
+and unfortunate, would be neither a good return nor a kind action.
+Luckily for Dicky, and even for myself, although he was not able to speak
+foreign languages, he could read my meaning in my eyes; for when I turned
+them slowly towards him, just to see my distance, he took alarm, and rose
+into the air with a swiftness which I envied. I am sorry to say my only
+thought at first was the having lost my dinner: but as I watched him
+through the air, flying on and on, until he diminished to a misty speck,
+and then disappeared, my better feelings came back to me and said, "Oh,
+Job! I would not have believed this of you!" "But," replied my empty
+stomach, "I am so hungry; without food, I shall fall in, and Job will
+die." "Let Job die," said my better self again, in a cold, firm tone;
+"let Job rather die, than do what he would live to feel ashamed of."
+
+As the day wore on, I began to think that death only could relieve me;
+and the thought was very, very painful. Nothing before and around but the
+salt waves--nothing above but the blue sky and hot sun--not even a cloud
+on which to rest my aching eyes. The want of water which I could drink
+was now becoming terrible. When I thought of it, my head began to turn;
+my brain seemed to be on fire; and the public basins of Caneville, where
+only the lowest curs used to quench their thirst, danced before me to add
+to my torture; for I thought, though I despised them once, how I could
+give treasures of gold for one good draught at the worst of them just
+then.
+
+There is not a misfortune happens to us from which we may not derive good
+if our hearts are not quite hardened, and our minds not totally
+impenetrable. Great as my sufferings were during this incident of my
+life, I learnt from it much that has been useful to me in after years.
+But even if it had taught me no other truth than that we should despise
+nothing which is good and wholesome, merely because it is ordinary, I
+should not have passed through those sad hours in vain. We dogs are so
+apt, when in prosperity, to pamper our appetites, and, commonly speaking,
+to turn up our noses at simple food, that we require, from time to time,
+to be reminded on how little canine life can be preserved. All have not
+had the advantage of the lesson which I was blessed with; for it _was_ a
+blessing; one that has so impressed itself on my memory, that sometimes
+when I fancy I cannot eat anything that is put before me, because it is
+too much done, or not done enough, or has some other real or supposed
+defect, I say to myself, "Job, Job, what would you have given for a tiny
+bit of the worst part of it when you were at sea?" And then I take it at
+once, and find it excellent.
+
+As the sun got lower, clouds, the same in shape that had welcomed him in
+the morning, rose up from the sea as if to show their pleasure at his
+return. He sunk into the midst of them and disappeared; and then the
+clouds came up and covered all the sky. I suffered less in the cool
+evening air, and found with pleasure that it was growing into a breeze.
+My pleasure soon got greater still, for, with the wind, I felt some drops
+of rain! The first fell upon my burning nose; but the idea of fresh water
+was such a piece of good fortune, that I dared not give loose to my joy
+until the drops began to fall thickly on and around me, and there was a
+heavy shower. I could scarcely give my rough coat time to get thoroughly
+wet before I began sucking at it. It was not nice at first, being mixed
+with the salt spray by which I had been so often covered; but as the rain
+still came down, the taste was fresher every moment, and soon got most
+delicious. I seemed to recover strength as I licked my dripping breast
+and shoulders; and though evening changed to dark night, and the rain was
+followed by a strong wind, which got more and more fierce, and appeared
+to drive me and my friendly log over the waves as if we had been bits of
+straw, I felt no fear, but clung to the timber, and actually gave way to
+hope.
+
+I must have slept again, for daylight was once more in the sky when I
+unclosed my eyes. Where was I now? My sight was dim, and though I could
+see there was no longer darkness, I could make out nothing else. Was I
+still on the rolling water? Surely not; for I felt no motion. I passed my
+paw quickly across my eyes to brush away the mist which covered them. I
+roused myself. The beam of wood was still beneath me, but my legs surely
+touched the ground! My sight came back to me, and showed me, true, the
+sea stretching on, on, on, in the distance, but showed me also that
+_I_--oh, joy!--_I_ had reached the shore!
+
+When my mind was able to believe the truth, I sprang on to the solid land
+with a cry which rings in my ears even now. What though my weakness was
+so great that I tumbled over on to the beach and filled my mouth with
+sand? I could have licked every blade of grass, every stone, in my
+ecstacy; and when forced to lie down from inability to stand upon my
+legs, I drove my paws into the earth, and held up portions to my face, to
+convince myself that I was indeed on shore. I did not trouble myself much
+with questions as to how I got there. I did not puzzle my brain to
+inquire whether the wind which had risen the evening before, and which I
+felt driving me on so freely, had at length chased me to the land. All I
+seemed to value was the fact that I was indeed _there_; and all I could
+persuade myself to say or think was the single, blessed word, SAVED!
+
+I must have lain some time upon the sand before I tried again to move,
+for when I scrambled on to my legs the sun was high and hot--so hot, that
+it had completely dried my coat, and made me wish for shelter. Dragging
+myself with some trouble to a mound of earth, green and sparkling with
+grass and flowers, I managed to get on top of it; and when I had
+recovered from the effort, for I was very weak, looked about me with
+curiosity to observe the place where I had been thrown.
+
+The ground was level close to where I stood, but at a little distance it
+rose into gentle grassy hills, with short bushes here and there; and just
+peeping over them, were the tops of trees still farther off, with
+mountains beyond, of curious forms and rich blue colour.
+
+While considering this prospect, I suddenly observed an animal on one of
+the hills coming towards me, and I lay down at full length on the grass
+to examine who he might be. As he drew nearer, I was surprised at his
+form and look (I afterwards learnt that he was called an ape), and
+thought I had never beheld so queer a being. He had a stick in his right
+hand, and a bundle in his left, and kept his eyes fixed on the ground as
+he walked along.
+
+When he was quite close, I rose again, to ask him where I could procure
+food and water, of which I felt great want. The motion startled him; and
+stepping back, he took his stick in both hands as if to protect himself.
+The next moment he put it down, and coming up to me, to my surprise
+addressed me in my own language, by inquiring how I came there. My
+astonishment was so great at first that I could not reply; and when I did
+speak, it was to ask him how it happened that he used my language. To
+this he answered, that he had been a great traveller in his day, and
+among other places had visited my city, where he had studied and been
+treated kindly for a long time; that he loved dogs, and should be only
+too happy now to return some of the favours he had received. This speech
+opened my heart; but before he would let me say more, he untied his
+bundle, and spread what it contained before me. As there were several
+savoury morsels, you may believe I devoured them with great
+appetite--indeed, I hope Master Ximio's opinion of me was not formed from
+the greediness with which I ate up his provisions.
+
+After I had refreshed myself at a spring of water, we sat down, and I
+told him my story. He heard me patiently to the end, when, after a pause,
+he exclaimed--
+
+"Come, Job, come with me. A few days' rest will restore your strength,
+and you can return to your own city. It is not a long journey over land;
+and with stout limbs like those, you will soon be able to get back and
+lick old Nip again."
+
+I need not dwell upon this part of my story, although I could fill many
+pages with the narration of Master Ximio's dwelling, and above all of his
+kindness; he kept me two or three days at his house, and would have
+detained me much longer, but, besides that I was anxious to return to
+Nip, I felt certain pains in my limbs, which made me wish to get back to
+Caneville, as I did not like the idea of troubling my good friend with
+the care of a sick dog. He was so kind-hearted, however, and showed me
+such attention, that I was afraid to say anything about my aches, lest he
+should insist on keeping me. He seemed to think it was quite natural I
+should desire to get home; and when he saw my impatience to depart, he
+assisted to get me ready.
+
+Having supplied me with everything I could want on my journey, and
+pressed upon me many gifts besides, he led me by a little path through
+the wood, until we came to the sea. "Along this shore," he said, "your
+road lies. Follow the winding of the coast until you reach the mouth of a
+broad river, the waters of which empty themselves into the sea. That
+river is the same which runs through your city. Keep along its banks and
+you will shortly arrive at Caneville, where I hope you may find
+everything you wish--for I am sure you wish nothing that is unreasonable.
+If pleasure awaits you there, do not, in the midst of it, forget Ximio.
+If, against my hopes, you should find yourself unhappy, remember there is
+a home always open to you here, and a friend who will do his best to
+make you forget sorrow. Farewell!"
+
+I was greatly moved at his words and the memory of his kindness. We
+licked each other tenderly--murmured something, which meant a good deal
+more than it expressed--and then we parted. I turned my head often as I
+went, and each time beheld Ximio waving his hand in the air; at last a
+dip in the ground hid him from my sight, and I continued my journey
+alone.
+
+It was fortunate I had been well furnished with provisions by my good
+friend, for as I proceeded, I found the pains in my limbs so great that I
+could scarce drag one leg after the other, and should probably have died
+of hunger, as I had no strength left to procure food, and did not meet
+with any more Ximios to assist me had I stood in need. With long rests,
+from which I rose each time with greater difficulty,--with increasing
+anxiety as I drew near my home, to learn all that had taken place during
+my absence,--and yet with legs which almost refused to carry me; after
+many days that seemed to have grown into months,--they were so full of
+care and suffering,--I toiled up a hill, which had, I thought, the power
+of getting steeper as I ascended. At length I reached the top, and to my
+joy discovered the well-known city of Caneville, lying in the plain
+beneath me. The sight gave me strength again. I at once resumed my
+journey, and trotted down the hill at a pace which surprised myself. As I
+got warm with my exertions, the stiffness seemed by degrees to leave my
+limbs; I ran, I bounded along, over grass and stone through broad patches
+of mud which showed too plainly to what height the river had lately
+risen, out of breath, yet with a spirit that would not let me flag, I
+still flew on, nor slackened my speed until I had got to the first few
+houses of the town. There I stopped indeed, and fell; for it then seemed
+as if my bones were all breaking asunder. My eyes grew dim; strange
+noises sounded in my ears; and though I fancied I could distinguish
+voices which I knew, I could neither see nor speak; I thought it was my
+dying hour.
+
+From the mouths of Nip and others I learnt all which then occurred, and
+all that had passed after my supposed loss on the night of the
+inundation. How my noble conduct (for so they were kind enough to call
+it, though I only tried to do my duty, and failed) had been made known to
+the great dogs of Caneville, and how they had sought after me to thank me
+for it;--how they had offered rewards to those who assisted in my
+recovery;--how, when it was supposed that I was dead, they took Nip from
+our modest home, and placed him in this present house, fitted with
+everything that could make him comfortable for life;--how, when all hope
+was gone, my unexpected appearance brought a crowd about me, each one
+anxious to assist me in my distress, though some maliciously said, in
+order to lay claim to the reward;--and how I was finally brought again to
+my senses through the care of our clever canine doctors, and the kind
+nursing of dear old Nip.
+
+It was long, however, before I recovered my legs sufficiently to be able
+to use them without support. My long exposure at sea, the want of food,
+and the trouble I had gone through, during my involuntary voyage, had all
+assisted to weaken me. But my anxiety to enjoy the fresh air again, took
+me out into the streets directly it was thought safe for me to do so, and
+with a pair of crutches beneath my arms, I managed to creep about.
+
+Never shall I forget the first time this pleasure was allowed me. The
+morning was so fresh and bright; the sun shone so gaily upon the houses;
+the river, now reduced to its usual size, ran so cheerily along, that I
+got into my old habit, and began to think they were all talking to me and
+bidding me welcome after my long illness. Kind words were soon said to me
+in right earnest, for before I had got half-way down the street, with old
+Nip just behind me,--his hat still adorned with the band which he had
+unwillingly put on when he thought me dead and gone, and which he had
+forgotten to take off again,--the puppies ran from different quarters to
+look up in my face and say, "How do you do, Job? I hope you are better,
+Job." Many a polite dog took off his hat to bid me good morrow; and
+praises more than I deserved, but which I heard with pleasure, came
+softly to my ear, as I hobbled slowly along. Nip told me afterwards, that
+there had been another in the crowd who kept a little back, and who,
+though she said nothing, seemed to be more glad to see me than all the
+rest. I had not seen her, nor did he mention her name, but that was not
+necessary. My heart seemed to tell me that it could only have been Fida.
+
+[Illustration: A WORTHY SUBJECT]
+
+
+
+
+DUTY.
+
+
+The idle life which I was compelled to spend gave me time for reflection,
+and I believe my mind was more active during the few months my body was
+on crutches than it had been for years previous. My thoughts received
+little interruption from Nip, who, after having recounted the events
+which had taken place during my absence, had little more to say. The
+kindness of the great city dogs having removed all fear of want, or even
+the necessity of labour, from our comfortable home, produced at first a
+pleasing effect upon me; but as my strength returned, and I managed to
+walk about the room without assistance, a desire for active employment
+became quite necessary to my happiness.
+
+"What have I done, Nip?" I would often say, as I took my usual exercise
+in our modest parlour; "what have I done, Nip, that I should be clothed,
+and fed, and housed, without labouring for such advantages, like the rest
+of dog-kind? These paws, large and strong as they are, were never
+intended for idleness; this back, broad as it is, was meant for some
+other purpose than to show off a fine coat; this brain, which can reflect
+and admire and resolve, had not such capabilities given to it in order
+that they might be wasted in a life of ease. Work, Nip, work; such work
+as a dog _can_ do should be sought after and done, for nothing can be
+more shocking than to see an animal's powers, either of body or mind,
+wasted away in idleness."
+
+Nip replied but little, although he winked his eyes very vigorously. I
+was used to his manner now, and could understand his meaning without the
+necessity of words. Both his looks and gestures told me that he thought
+as I did, and I only waited till I could use my own legs freely, to set
+about a resolution I had been forming in my mind.
+
+It was a happy day when I could again mix in the bustle of the streets,
+and find my strength once more restored. The first use I made of it was
+to go to the great house where the chief dogs of Caneville are accustomed
+to sit during a certain time of the day to judge matters relating to the
+city. When I arrived, they were almost alone, and I was therefore able to
+present myself without delay, and explain my business.
+
+I began by thanking them for what they had done for me and my old friend
+Nip, in providing us with a house and with so many comforts. I told them,
+although the goodness of Nip rendered him worthy of every attention, as
+he had grown old in a useful and laborious life, I had no such claims. I
+was still young--my strength had come back to me--I had no right to eat
+the food of idleness where so many dogs, more deserving than I, were
+often in want of a bone, but whose modesty prevented them making known
+their necessities. I would still thankfully enjoy the home, which the
+kindness of the great animals of Caneville had furnished me, but they
+must permit me to work for it--they must permit me to do something which
+might be useful to the city in return, for I should devour the fare
+provided for me with a great deal more appetite, if I could say to myself
+when I felt hungry, "Job, brother Job, eat your dinner, for you have
+_earned_ it."
+
+The assembly of dogs heard me with great attention to the end; not a bark
+interrupted my little speech, not a movement disturbed my attention. I
+was pleased to see that tails wagged with approbation when I had
+concluded, and was charmed to hear the chief among them, who was white
+with age, express himself _delighted_, yes, that was the word, delighted
+with my spirit.
+
+"We are pleased, Job," he said, at the end of his reply, "we are pleased
+to observe that there are yet _true dogs_ in Caneville; there have been
+animals calling themselves so, whose character was so base, and whose
+manner was so cringing, that they have brought disrepute upon the name;
+and we are sorry to say that in many countries the title of a _dog_ is
+given to the vilest and most worthless creatures. All the finer qualities
+of our race have been lost sight of, because a few among us have been
+mean or wicked; and a whole nation has been pointed at with scorn,
+because some of its members have acted badly. We are happy, Job, to find
+in you a 'worthy subject,' and we shall be glad to give you all
+assistance in choosing an occupation in which you may employ your time,
+and be of use to your fellow-creatures."
+
+I should not have repeated this to you, as it is not, perhaps, necessary
+for my story, but that I wished to correct an error, which many have
+made, concerning the character of this very dog. He has been described by
+several as cold, and proud, and sometimes cruel; and yet to me he was
+warm, and friendly, and most kind. Do not you think when we hear animals
+grumbling against their fellows, it would be just as well to think who
+the grumblers are, before we form our opinions? or, at least, hear the
+opinions of many before we decide ourselves?
+
+I need not tell you all that passed between us, and what was said by this
+dog and by that, about the choice of my occupation. It was agreed at last
+that I should be appointed chief of the Caneville police, as the place
+had become vacant through the death of a fine old mastiff some days
+previous. I wonder whether he was a relation of my own, for I have
+already told you my mother belonged to that great family. He had received
+some severe wounds when trying to capture a fierce beast of the name of
+Lupo, the terror of the city, and he had died from the effects of them in
+spite of all the care of the doctors. What made the matter worse, was the
+fact that Lupo was yet at liberty, and many dogs were afraid to go out
+at night for fear of meeting with this terrible animal.
+
+To tell the truth, I was rather pleased than otherwise that Lupo had
+still to be taken. It was agreeable to me to think that work, difficult
+work, was to be done, and that _I_ was called upon to do it. I felt proud
+at the idea that the animals of the great city of Caneville would look up
+to me, _to me_, poor Job, as the dog chosen to releive them of their
+fears, and restore security to their streets. "Job," I cried out to
+myself, in a firm tone, "Job, here is a chance of being useful to your
+country; let no danger, no fear, even of death, stop you in the good
+work. Job, you are called upon to perform a duty, and let nothing, mind
+_nothing_, turn you from it."
+
+After I had become acquainted with all the dogs who were under my
+command, I spent much time each day in exercising them, and in
+endeavouring by kind words, and by my own example, to make them attend
+strictly to their work. I was pleased to observe that I succeeded. Some,
+who were pointed out to me as difficult to manage, became my most
+faithful followers, and I had not been two months in my employment before
+all were so devoted to me, that I believe they would have died to serve
+me.
+
+In all this time, nothing had been heard of the terrible Lupo, and all my
+inquiries procured no information concerning where he was to be found. I
+learned that he was not a native of Caneville, although his father once
+belonged to the city. He was born in a country beyond the great wood, and
+his mother came from a fierce tribe of wolves, who, although they a
+little resemble dogs in appearance, and speak a very similar language,
+are much more ferocious, and seem to look upon the whole canine family as
+natural enemies.
+
+The opinion began to spread in Caneville that Lupo had at length left the
+city, and the inhabitants, by degrees, recovered their usual quiet; when,
+suddenly, the alarm spread more widely than before; as, two nights in
+succession, some rich dogs were robbed and ill-treated, and one of them
+was lamed by the ferocity of the chief of the terrible band who had
+attacked them, and whose description convinced me it was Lupo.
+
+These accounts caused me much pain, as I had neither been able to prevent
+the attacks, nor discover the animals who had made them. In my desire to
+find out and capture the robbers, I could scarcely take food or rest. I
+managed to sleep a little in the day-time, and at night, dressed in the
+simplest manner, so as to excite no attention, I wandered quietly from
+street to street, stopping to listen to the slightest noise, and going in
+any direction that I heard a murmur. One or two of my dogs generally
+followed at a distance, ready to assist me if I called for help.
+
+It was a fine night. The moon and stars were brilliant in the sky, and
+made the blue all the deeper from their own bright rays. I had been
+already two hours crawling through the lower parts of the city, and was
+mounting the hill which led to a fine building where my steps often
+carried me--sometimes without my intending it--in order to watch over the
+safety of those who slept within. It was the house of Fida--that Fida who
+had been to me so kind, so tender; that Fida, who so patiently softened
+down my rudeness, and had tried to teach me to know what was good by
+letting me become her friend.
+
+I had nearly reached the top of the hill, and paused an instant to
+observe the bright light and dark shadows which the house displayed, as
+the moon fell upon it, or some portion of the building interposed.
+Profound sleep had fallen upon the city. The river might be seen from the
+spot where I was standing, running swiftly along; and so deep was the
+silence that you could even hear the gush of the water as it fretted
+round some large stones in the centre of the stream.
+
+Suddenly there rose into the air from the ground above me, the sharp,
+clear howl of a female voice, and at the same instant the sound of a
+rattle broke upon my ear as a signal of alarm. I sprang up the few feet
+which were between me and the house with the speed of lightning, and
+turning rapidly the corner of the building, reached the principal
+entrance. One look told me everything: at an upper window, in a loose
+dress, was Fida herself, springing the rattle which she held in her paw,
+with a strength that fear alone could have given her; and below, where I
+myself stood, were four or five dogs differently engaged, but evidently
+trying to get into the house.
+
+A kick from my right leg sent one of them to the ground, and, with my
+clenched paw, I struck a blow at the second. Never do I remember feeling
+such strength within me, such a resolution to attack twenty dogs if it
+were necessary, although the next minute I might be torn in pieces. I
+have sometimes asked myself whether the presence of Fida had anything to
+do with it, or if a sense of duty only inspired me. I have never been
+able to reply to the question in a satisfactory manner. I only know that
+the fact was as I say, and that the blow I gave was surprising even to
+myself; my paw caught the animal precisely under his chin, and sent him
+flying backwards, with his nose in the air and his hat behind him; and as
+the moon shone brilliantly upon his upturned face, I recognised the
+features described to me as those of Lupo. He lay so still upon the
+ground that I thought he must be killed; so, leaving him for a moment, I
+pursued some others who were running off in the distance, but did not
+succeed in catching them. I said a few cheering words to Fida at the
+window, and returned to the spot of my encounter with Lupo; but instead
+of that terrible beast, found some of my own followers, the father of
+Fida, and one or two servants, who had been roused by the tumult, and had
+come out to learn the cause. Lupo was nowhere to be seen. He had either
+partly recovered from the blow, and had managed to crawl away, or had
+been dragged off by some of his troop.
+
+Nothing could have been more fortunate to me than this night's adventure.
+The father of Fida, who had seen the attack from his window, was the head
+of one of the best families of dogs in Caneville, and being, besides,
+very rich, he enjoyed great power. He was so pleased with what I had
+done, that he not only took a great liking to me himself, but he spoke
+of my conduct in the highest terms to the great assembly. I received
+public thanks; I was admitted to the honour which I now hold, that of
+forming one of the second assembly of the city; I was loaded with rich
+presents, and equally rich praise; and I may also date from that night,
+the obtaining the richest gift of all, the gift which has made the
+happiness of my best years; I mean the possession of my wife, the
+beautiful Fida.
+
+[Illustration: A SEVERE BLOW]
+
+It is true that I did not procure that felicity at once. There were many
+difficulties to be got over before the noble spaniel would think of
+allowing his daughter to become the wife of plain Mr. Job. His son, also,
+of whom I have spoken previously, could not bear, at first, the idea of
+his sister not marrying some one as noble as herself, and thought, very
+naturally, that she was far too good to have her fortunes united with
+mine. Fida herself, however, was so firm, and yet so tender; so
+straightforward, and yet so modest, that she finally broke down all
+opposition. She persuaded her father that no title could be more noble
+than the one I had acquired, that of "Honest Job;" she won over her
+brother, by slily asking him, which among his grand companions could have
+met a whole band of fierce dogs, with Lupo at their head, and,
+single-pawed, could have conquered them all? By degrees, every objection
+was cleared away, and Fida became mine.
+
+The chief interest of my life terminates here; for although, in my
+position as head of the police, I had many other adventures, they were
+too much alike, and of too common an order, to be worth relating. Before
+I close, however, I must mention a circumstance which occurred shortly
+after my battle with the robbers, as it is curious in itself, and refers
+to an animal of whom I have before spoken.
+
+I was quietly walking along a bye-street of Caneville, when a miserable,
+thin, little puppy came behind me, and gently pulled my coat. On turning
+round to ask him what he wanted, he begged me in the most imploring tone
+to come and see his father, who was very ill.
+
+"And who is your father, little pup?" I inquired.
+
+"His name is Lupo," said the thin dog, in a trembling voice.
+
+"Lupo!" I cried out in surprise. "But do you not know who I am, and that
+I am forced to be your father's greatest enemy?"
+
+"I know, I know," the pup replied; "but father told me to come and seek
+_you_, for that you were good, and would not harm him, if you knew he was
+so miserable." And here the little dog began howling in a way which moved
+me.
+
+"Go on," I said, after a moment; "go on; I will follow you."
+
+As the little dog ran before, through some of the low and miserable parts
+of the city, the idea once came into my head that perhaps this was a
+scheme of Lupo's to get me into his power. But the puppy's grief had been
+too real to allow me to believe, young as he was, that he could be acting
+a part; so with a stout resolution I went forward.
+
+We arrived at a low and dirty kennel, where only the greatest misery
+could bear to live. We passed through a hole, for so it appeared, rather
+than a doorway, and I found myself in a little room, lit by a break in
+the wall. On the single poor bed lay a wretched object, gasping for
+breath, while a ragged pup, somewhat older than my little guide, had
+buried his face in the clothes at the bottom of the bed. Three other tiny
+creatures, worn to the bone with poverty and want of food, came crowding
+round me, in a way that was piteous to behold; and with their looks, not
+words, for they said nothing, asked me to do something for their
+miserable parent. I procured from a neighbouring tavern a bason of broth
+with which I succeeded in reviving the once terrible Lupo; but it was
+only a flash before life departed for ever. In broken words, he
+recommended to my care the poor little objects round. Bad as he was, he
+still had feeling for them, and it was easy to observe that at this sad
+moment his thoughts were more of _them_ than of himself; for when I
+promised to protect them, he pressed my paw with his remaining strength
+to his hot lips, moaned faintly, and expired.
+
+[Illustration: CONSOLATION]
+
+My tale is over. Would that it had been more entertaining, more
+instructive. But the incidents of my career have been few, and my path,
+with the one or two exceptions I have described, has been a smooth one. I
+have heard it said that no history of a life, however simple, is without
+its lesson. If it be so, then perhaps some good may be derived from mine.
+If it teach the way to avoid an error, or correct a fault; if any portion
+of it win a smile from a sad heart, or awake a train of serious thought
+in a gay one, my dog's tale will not have been unfolded in vain.
+
+THE END.
+
+London; Thomas Harrild, Printer, 13, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street.
+
+
+
+
+NEW JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S NEW TWO-SHILLING PRESENT OR GIFT-BOOKS,
+
+_In Fcap. 8vo, cloth gilt, with Illustrations by GILBERT, WARREN,
+CORBOULD, &c.; or with gilt edges, price Two Shillings and Sixpence._
+
+LIST OF THE SERIES, VIZ.:
+
+  1. TALES FOR MY CHILDREN.                                  GUIZOT.
+  2. TEN MORAL TALES.                                        GUIZOT.
+  3. JUVENILE TALES & STORIES.                             M'INTOSH.
+  4. CONQUEST & SELF-CONQUEST.                             M'INTOSH.
+  5. EVENING AT DONALDSON MANOR.                           M'INTOSH.
+  6. PRAISE AND PRINCIPLE.                                 M'INTOSH.
+  7. GRACE AND ISABEL.                                     M'INTOSH.
+  8. CHARMS & COUNTER-CHARMS.                              M'INTOSH.
+  9. GERTRUDE AND EULALIE.                                    HULSE.
+  10. ROBERT AND HAROLD.                                       ANON.
+  11. STORY OF AN APPLE.                                   CAMPBELL.
+  12. CABIN BY THE WAYSIDE.                                CAMPBELL.
+  13. MEMOIRS OF A DOLL.                                     BESSET.
+  14. THE BLACK PRINCESS.                                    BESSET.
+  15. EMIGRANT'S LOST SON.                               G. H. WALL.
+  16. ROBINSON THE YOUNGER.                                    HICK.
+  18. AMY CARLTON; OR, FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL.          ANON.
+  19. LAURA AND ELLEN.                                        ALLEN.
+  20. ROBINSON CRUSOE.                                        DEFOE.
+  23. LAURA TEMPLE.                                          BOWMAN.
+  24. LITTLE FOUNDLING.                                 MRS. MYRTLE.
+  25. SPIRIT OF THE HOLLY.                                MRS. OWEN.
+  26. POETRY OF THE BEST AUTHORS.                            BOWMAN.
+  27. HARRY AND HIS HOMES.                                     ANON.
+  28. VIOLET.                                              M'INTOSH.
+  29. THE LAMPLIGHTER.                                      CUMMINS.
+  30. THE LOFTY AND LOWLY.                                 M'INTOSH.
+  31. OUR NATIVE LAND.                                       WILSON.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S TWO-AND-SIXPENNY REWARD OR GIFT-BOOKS.
+
+_Or, with gilt edges, price Three Shillings. Fcap. 8vo. Illustrated by
+the best artists. Cloth extra, and gilt._
+
+  1. ARBELL. By JANE W. HOOPER. Illustrated by GODWIN.
+  2. EDA MORTON AND HER COUSINS. By M. BELL. Illustrated by BIRKET FOSTER.
+  3. ALLEN'S LIFE OF NELSON. With Steel Portrait.
+  4. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF WELLINGTON. Illustrated by JOHN GILBERT.
+  5. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF MARLBOROUGH. Illustrated by JOHN GILBERT.
+  6. OSLER'S LIFE OF LORD EXMOUTH. With Steel Portrait and Maps.
+  7. GILBERT THE ADVENTURER. By PETER PARLEY. With Engravings.
+  8. KALOOLAH: OR, AFRICAN ADVENTURES. With Coloured Plates.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S EIGHTEENPENNY JUVENILES.
+
+_Square 16mo, cloth gilt. Illustrated by John Gilbert, Absolon, Foster,
+etc._
+
+  1. Peasant and the Prince, by Harriet Martineau.
+  2. Crofton Boys, by Harriet Martineau.
+  3. Feats on the Fiord, by Harriet Martineau.
+  4. Settlers at Home, by Harriet Martineau.
+  5. Holiday Ramblers, or the School Vacation, by Elizabeth Grant.
+  6. Little Drummer, a Tale of the Russian War.
+  7. Frank, by Maria Edgeworth.
+  8. Rosamond, by Maria Edgeworth.
+  9. Harry and Lucy, Little Dog Trusty, The Cherry Orchard, etc. by Maria
+     Edgeworth.
+  10. A Hero, or Philip's Book, by the author of Olive.
+
+LONDON: GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET.
+
+
+  Transcriber's notes:
+
+  No changes to the original spelling were made.
+
+  The following duplicated words were corrected.
+  Page 16: who who corrected to who.
+  Page 44: near near corrected to near.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good
+Dog Too, by Alfred Elwes
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Adventures Of A Dog, And A Good Dog Too, by Alfred Elwes.
+    </title>
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too, by 
+Alfred Elwes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too
+
+Author: Alfred Elwes
+
+Release Date: March 4, 2007 [EBook #20741]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF A DOG ***
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+Produced by David Edwards, Christine D. and the Online
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+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE<br />
+<span class="smcap">ADVENTURES of a DOG</span>,</h1>
+
+<h2>AND A GOOD DOG TOO</h2>
+
+<h3>BY ALFRED ELWES</h3>
+<div class="padding">
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 386px;">
+<img src="images/001.png" width="388" height="500" alt="" title="" />
+</div></div>
+
+<p><a name="A_FAMILY_PARTY" id="A_FAMILY_PARTY"></a></p>
+<div class="padding">
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 403px;">
+<img src="images/006.png" width="398" height="500" alt="A FAMILY PARTY" title="" />
+<span class="caption">A FAMILY PARTY</span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<div class="padding">
+<h4>THE</h4>
+<h1>ADVENTURES OF A DOG,</h1>
+<h2>AND A GOOD DOG TOO.</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="padding">
+<h2><span class="smcap">By</span> ALFRED ELWES,</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Author of "The Adventures of a Bear," "Ocean and her Rulers," etc., etc.</span></p>
+</div>
+<div class="padding">
+<p class="center">WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY HARRISON WEIR.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="padding">
+<p class="center">
+LONDON:<br />
+GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET,<br />
+AND 18, BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK.<br />
+1857.</p></div>
+
+<p class="center">
+LONDON:<br />
+THOMAS HARRILD, PRINTER, 11, SALISBURY SQUARE,<br />
+FLEET STREET.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>INTRODUCTION BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA</td><td align='right'><a href="#INTRODUCTION">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>EARLY DAYS</td><td align='right'><a href="#EARLY_DAYS">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>CHANGES</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHANGES">18</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>UPS AND DOWNS</td><td align='right'><a href="#UPS_AND_DOWNS">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>THE INUNDATION</td><td align='right'><a href="#THE_INUNDATION">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>PAINS AND PLEASURES</td><td align='right'><a href="#PAINS_AND_PLEASURES">46</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>DUTY</td><td align='right'><a href="#DUTY">55</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ILLUSTRATIONS" id="ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A FAMILY PARTY (<span class="smcap">Frontispiece</span>)</td><td align='right'><a href="#A_FAMILY_PARTY">8</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LADY BULL</td><td align='right'><a href="#LADY_BULL">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>GOOD DOG!</td><td align='right'><a href="#GOOD_DOG">22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A CANINE BUTCHER</td><td align='right'><a href="#A_CANINE_BUTCHER">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>AFLOAT</td><td align='right'><a href="#AFLOAT">45</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A WORTHY SUBJECT</td><td align='right'><a href="#A_WORTHY_SUBJECT">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A SEVERE BLOW</td><td align='right'><a href="#A_SEVERE_BLOW">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>CONSOLATION</td><td align='right'><a href="#CONSOLATION">62</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg&nbsp;iii]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I love dogs. Who does not? It is a natural feeling to love those who love
+us; and dogs were always fond of me. Thousands can say the same; and I
+shall therefore find plenty of sympathy while unfolding my dog's tale.</p>
+
+<p>This attachment of mine to the canine family in general, and their
+affection towards myself, have induced me, like the Vizier in the
+"Arabian Nights," of happy memory, to devote some time to the study of
+their language. Its idiom is not so difficult as many would suppose.
+There is a simplicity about it that often shames the dialects of man;
+which have been so altered and refined that we discover people often
+saying one thing when they mean exactly the reverse. Nothing of the sort
+is visible in the great canine tongue. Whether the tone in which it is
+uttered be gruff or polished, sharp or insinuating, it is at least
+sincere. Mankind would often be puzzled how to use it.</p>
+
+<p>Like many others, its meaning is assisted by gestures of the body, and,
+above all, by the expression of the eye. If ever language had its seat in
+that organ, as phrenologists pretend, it lies in the eye of the dog. Yet,
+a good portion finds its way to his tail. The motion of that eloquent
+member is full of meaning. There is the slow wag of anger; the gentle wag
+of contentment; the brisker wag of joy: and what can be more mutely
+expressive than the limp states of sorrow, humility, and fear?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg&nbsp;iv]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If the tongue of the dog present such distinctive traits, the qualities
+of the animal himself are not less striking. Although the dispositions of
+dogs are as various as their forms&mdash;although education, connections, the
+society they keep, have all their influence&mdash;to the credit of their name
+be it said, a dog never sullies his mouth with an untruth. His emotions
+of pleasure are genuine, never forced. His grief is not the semblance of
+woe, but comes from the heart. His devotion is unmixed with other
+feelings. It is single, unselfish, profound. Prosperity affects it not;
+adversity cannot make it swerve. Ingratitude, that saddest of human
+vices, is unknown to the dog. He does not forget past favours, but, when
+attached by benefits received, his love endures through life. But I shall
+have never done with reciting the praises of this noble animal; the
+subject is inexhaustible. My purpose now has narrower limits.</p>
+
+<p>From the archives of the city of Caneville, I lately drew the materials
+of a Bear's Biography. From the same source I now derive my "Adventures
+of a Dog." My task has been less that of a composer than a translator,
+for a feline editoress, a Miss Minette Gattina, had already performed her
+part. This latter animal appears, however, to have been so learned a
+cat&mdash;one may say so deep a puss&mdash;that she had furnished more notes than
+there was original matter. Another peculiarity which distinguished her
+labours was the obscurity of her style; I call it a peculiarity, and not
+a defect, because I am not quite certain whether the difficulty of
+getting at her meaning lay in her mode of expressing herself or my
+deficiency in the delicacies of her language. I think myself a tolerable
+linguist, yet have too great a respect for puss to say that any fault is
+attributable to her.</p>
+
+<p>The same feeling has, naturally, made me careful in rendering those
+portions which were exclusively her own. I have preferred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg&nbsp;v]</a></span> letting her
+say little to allowing her to express anything she did not intend. Her
+notes, which, doubtless, drew many a purr of approval from her own
+breast, and many a wag of approbation from the tails of her choice
+acquaintance, I have preferred leaving out altogether; and I have so
+curtailed the labours of her paw, and the workings of her brain, as to
+condense into half-a-dozen pages her little volume of introduction. The
+autobiography itself, most luckily, required no alteration. It is the
+work of a simple mind, detailing the events of a simple but not
+uneventful life. Whether I have succeeded in conveying to my readers'
+intelligence the impression which this Dog's Adventures made on mine,
+they alone can decide.</p>
+
+<p class='right'>A. E.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Lyndhurst Road,<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peckham.</span></p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg&nbsp;7]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION"></a>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA.</p>
+
+
+<p>It may seem peculiar to any but an inhabitant of this renowned city of
+Caneville, that one of <i>our</i> nation should venture on the task of
+bringing to the notice of the world the memoir I have undertaken to edit.
+But, besides that in this favoured place animals of all kinds learn to
+dwell in tolerable harmony together, the subject of this biography had so
+endeared himself to all classes and to every tribe by his kindness of
+heart, noble devotion, and other dog-like qualities, that there was not a
+cat, in spite of the supposed natural antipathy existing between the
+great feline and canine races, who would not have set up her back and
+fought to the last gasp in defence of this dear old fellow.</p>
+
+<p>Many a time has he saved me from the rough treatment of rude and
+ill-conducted curs, when I have been returning from a concert, or
+tripping quietly home after a pleasant chat with a friend. Often and
+often, when a kitten, has he carried me on his back through the streets,
+in order that I might not wet my velvet slippers on a rainy day: and
+once, ah! well do I remember it, he did me even greater service; for a
+wicked Tom of our race, who had often annoyed me with his attentions, had
+actually formed a plan of carrying me off to some foreign land, and would
+have succeeded too, if dear Doggy had not got scent of the affair, and
+pounced on that treacherous Tom just as he was on the point of executing
+his odious project.</p>
+
+<p>I can speak of these things <i>now</i> without the slightest fear of being
+accused of vanity. If I say my eyes were beautifully round and green,
+they are so no longer. If I boast of the former lightness of my step, it
+drags, alas! but too heavily now. If I dwell on the sweetness of my voice
+and melody of my purr at one period,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg&nbsp;8]</a></span> little can be said in their favour
+at the present day, and I feel therefore less scruple in dilating on the
+elegance of my figure, and the taste of my <i>toilette</i>, as, when speaking
+of them, I seem to be referring to another individual Puss, with whom the
+actual snuffy old Tabby has little or no connection.</p>
+
+<p>But, it will be said, these last matters have not much to do with the
+object I have in hand. I must not attempt to palm off on my readers any
+adventures of my own under the shadow of a dog. I must rather allow my
+Cat's-paw to perform the office for which it has become noted, namely,
+that of aiding in the recovery of what its owner is not intended to
+participate. I must endeavour to place before the world of Caneville, to
+be thence transmitted to the less civilized portions of the globe, those
+incidents in our Dog's life which he has been too modest to relate
+himself, in order that after-generations may fully appreciate all the
+goodness of his character. To <i>greatness</i>, he had no pretension, although
+few animals are aware how close is the relation between these two
+qualities.</p>
+
+<p>I think I see the dear old Dog now, as it has been often my privilege to
+behold him, seated in his large arm-chair, his hair quite silvered with
+age, shading his thoughtful, yet kindly face, his pipe in his paw, his
+faithful old friend by his side, and surrounded by a group of attentive
+listeners of both sexes, who seemed to hang upon every word of wisdom as
+it dropped from his mouth; all these spring to my mind when I recal his
+image, and if I were a painter I think I should have no difficulty in
+presenting to my readers this pleasant "family party." The very room in
+which these meetings were held comes as strongly to my recollection as
+the various young and old dogs who were wont to assemble there. Plainly
+furnished, it yet boasted some articles of luxury; works of statuary and
+painting, presented to old Job by those who admired his goodness, or had
+been the objects of his devotion.</p>
+
+<p>One of these, a statuette representing a fast little dog upon a tasteful
+pedestal, used often to excite my curiosity, the more because Job showed
+no inclination to gratify it. I managed, however, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg&nbsp;9]</a></span> last to get at the
+incident which made Job the possessor of this comical little figure, and
+as the circumstance worthily illustrates his character, I will relate it
+as the anecdote was told to me.</p>
+
+<p>It was once a fashion in Caneville, encouraged by puppies of the superior
+classes, to indulge in habits of so strange a nature as to meet on stated
+occasions for the express purpose of trying their skill and strength in
+set combats; and although the most frightful consequences often ensued,
+these assemblies were still held until put down by the sharp tooth of the
+law. The results which ensued were not merely dangerous to life, but
+created such a quarrelsome disposition, that many of these dogs were
+never happy but when fighting; and the force granted them by nature for
+self-defence was too often used most wantonly to the annoyance of their
+neighbours. It one day happened that Job was sitting quietly on a steep
+bank of the river where it runs into the wood at some distance from the
+city, at one moment watching the birds as they skimmed over the water, at
+another following the movements of a large fish, just distinguishable
+from the height, as it rose at the flies that dropped upon the stream;
+when three dogs, among the most celebrated fighters of the time, passed
+by that way. Two of them were of the common class, about the size and
+weight of Job; the other was a young puppy of good family, whose tastes
+had unfortunately led him into such low society. Seeing the mild
+expression of Job's face, and confident in their own prowess, they
+resolved to amuse themselves at his expense, and to this end drew near to
+him. Unobserved by their intended victim, with a rapid motion they
+endeavoured to push him head foremost into the river, Master Puppy having
+dexterously seized hold of his tail to make the somersault more complete.
+Job, although thus unexpectedly set upon from behind, was enabled, by the
+exertion of great strength, to defeat the object of his assailants. In
+the struggle which ensued, his adversaries discovered that, in spite of
+their boasted skill, they had more than found their match. One of them
+got rolled over into the stream, out of which he managed to crawl with
+considerable difficulty half a mile lower<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg&nbsp;10]</a></span> down; the second took to his
+heels, with his coat torn, and his person otherwise disordered; and the
+fashionable Pup, to his great horror, found himself seized in the
+formidable jaws of the unoffending but own angry dog. Imagine how much
+his terror was increased when Job, carrying him, as I would a mouse, to
+the edge of the precipitous bank, held him sheer over the roaring river.
+The poor fellow could not swim, he had a perfect antipathy to the water,
+and he felt himself at that moment on the point of being consigned to
+certain death without a chance of safety. But he did not know the noble
+heart of the animal he had offended. Job let him feel for a few dreadful
+seconds the danger to which he had been so thoughtlessly and in joke
+about to consign himself, and then placed him in safety on the bank, with
+the admonition to reflect for the future on the probable result of his
+diversions before he indulged in them, and to consider whether, although
+amusing to himself, such games might not be fatal to the animals on whom
+they were played off. The shivering puppy was too much alarmed at the
+time to attend either to the magnanimity of his antagonist or the wisdom
+of his advice, but they were evidently not lost upon him. Many can bear
+testimony to the change which that hour wrought in his character; and
+some weeks after the event, Job received that statue of his little
+adversary, which had so often struck me, executed by a native artist,
+with a long letter in verse, a beautiful specimen of doggrel; indeed,
+gifts both equally creditable to the sculptor and the writer, and most
+honourable to the animal in whose favour they had been executed.</p>
+
+<p>My task will scarce be thought complete without a few words concerning
+the personal appearance of my old friend; although, perhaps, few things
+could be more difficult for me to describe. Dogs and cats are apt to
+admire such very different forms of beauty, that the former often call
+beautiful what we think just the reverse. He was tall, strong, and rather
+stout, with a large bushy tail, which waved with every emotion of his
+mind, for he rarely disguised his feelings. His features were considered
+regular, though large, his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg&nbsp;11]</a></span> eyes being particularly bright and full, and
+the upper part of his head was broad and high.</p>
+
+<p>But none who knew Job ever thought of his being handsome or otherwise.
+You seemed to love him for something more than you could see, something
+which had little to do with face, or body, or tail, and yet appeared in
+them all, and shone clearly out of his eyes; I mean the spirit of
+goodness, which made him so remarkable, and was so much a part of Job,
+that I do believe a lock of his hair worn near one's own heart would help
+to make it beat more kindly to one's fellow creatures. This idea may be
+considered too fanciful, too cat-like, but I believe it notwithstanding.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the Dog whose autobiography I have great pleasure in presenting
+to the world. Many may object to the unpolished style in which his
+memoirs are clothed, but all who knew him will easily pardon every want
+of elegance in his language; and those who had not the honour of his
+acquaintance, will learn to appreciate his character from the plain
+spirit of truth which breathes in every line he wrote. I again affirm
+that I need make no apology for attaching my name to that of one so
+worthy the esteem of his co-dogs, ay, and co-cats too; for in spite of
+the differences which have so often raised up a barrier between the
+members of his race and ours, not even the noblest among us could be
+degraded by raising a "mew" to the honour of such a thoroughly honest
+dog.</p>
+
+<p class='right'>
+MINETTE GATTINA.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Upper Mews,<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caneville.</span></p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg&nbsp;12]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="EARLY_DAYS" id="EARLY_DAYS"></a>EARLY DAYS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I was not born in this city of Caneville, but was brought here at so
+young an age, that I have no recollection of any other place. I do not
+remember either my father or my mother. An old doggess,<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> who was the
+only creature I can recal to mind when I was a pup, took care of me. At
+least, she said she did. But from what I recollect, I had to take most
+care of myself. It was from her I learnt what I know about my parents.
+She has told me that my father was a foreign dog of high rank; from a
+country many, many miles away, called Newfoundland, and that my mother
+was a member of the Mastiff family. But how I came to be under the care
+of herself, and how it happened, if my parents were such superior
+animals, that I should be forced to be so poor and dirty, I cannot tell.
+I have sometimes ventured to ask her; but as she always replied with a
+snarl or a bite, I soon got tired of putting any questions to her. I do
+not think she was a very good temper; but I should not like to say so
+positively, because I was still young when she died, and perhaps the
+blows she gave me, and the bites she inflicted, were only intended for my
+good; though I did not think so at the time.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> I have preferred adopting this word in speaking of female
+dogs, as it comes nearer to the original, <i>za&iuml;yen</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>As we were very poor, we were forced to live in a wretched kennel in the
+dampest part of the town, among dogs no better off than ourselves. The
+place we occupied overhung the water, and one day when the old doggess
+was punishing me for something I had done, the corner in which I was
+crouched being rotten, gave way, and I fell plump into the river. I had
+never been in the water before, and I was very frightened, for the stream
+was so rapid that it carried me off and past the kennels I knew, in an
+instant. I opened my mouth to call out for help; but as I was almost
+choked with the water that got into it, I shut it again, and made an
+effort<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg&nbsp;13]</a></span> to reach the land. To my surprise I found that, by moving my paws
+and legs, I not only got my head well above the water, but was able to
+guide myself to the bank, on to which I at length dragged myself, very
+tired and out of breath, but quite recovered from my fear. I ran over the
+grass towards the town as fast as I could, stopping now and then to shake
+my coat, which was not so wet, however, as you would suppose; but before
+I had got half way home I met the doggess, hopping along, with her tongue
+out of her mouth, panting for breath, she having run all the way from the
+kennel, out of which I had popped so suddenly, along the bank, with the
+hope of picking me up somewhere. She knew, she said, that I should never
+be drowned. But how she <i>could</i> know that was more than I could then
+imagine.</p>
+
+<p>When we met, after I had escaped so great a danger, I flew to her paws,
+in the hope of getting a tender lick; but as soon as she recovered
+breath, she caught hold of one of my ears with her teeth, and bit it till
+I howled with pain, and then set off running with me at a pace which I
+found it difficult to keep up with. I remember at the time thinking it
+was not very kind of her; but I have since reflected that perhaps she
+only did it to brighten me up and prevent me taking cold.</p>
+
+<p>This was my first adventure, and also my first acquaintance with the
+water. From that day I often ventured into the river, and in the end
+became so good a swimmer, that there were few dogs in Caneville who could
+surpass me in strength and dexterity afloat.</p>
+
+<p>Many moons came and passed away, and I was getting a big dog. My appetite
+grew with my size, and as there was little to eat at home, I was forced
+to wander through the streets to look after stray bones; but I was not
+the only animal employed thus hunting for a livelihood, and the bits
+scattered about the streets being very few and small, some of us, as may
+be imagined, got scanty dinners. There was such quarrelling and fighting,
+also, for the possession of every morsel, that if you were not willing to
+let go any piece you had seized upon, you were certain to have
+half-a-dozen curs upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg&nbsp;14]</a></span> your back to force you to do so; and the poor
+weakly dog, whose only hope of a meal lay in what he might pick up, ran a
+sad chance of being starved.</p>
+
+<p>One of the fiercest fights I have ever been engaged in occurred upon one
+of these occasions. I had had no breakfast, and it was already past the
+hour when the rich dogs of Caneville were used to dine. Hungry and
+disconsolate, I was trotting slowly past a large house, when a side-door
+opened, and a servant jerked a piece of meat into the road. In the
+greatest joy I pounced upon the prize, but not so quickly but that two
+ragged curs, who were no doubt as hungry as myself, managed to rush to
+the spot in time to get hold of the other end of it. Then came a struggle
+for the dainty; and those who do not know how hard dogs will fight for
+their dinner, when they have had no breakfast, should have been there to
+learn the lesson. After giving and receiving many severe bites, the two
+dogs walked off&mdash;perhaps they did not think the meat was worth the
+trouble of contending for any longer&mdash;and I was left to enjoy my meal in
+peace. I had scarcely, however, squatted down, with the morsel between my
+paws, than a miserable little puppy, who seemed as if he had had neither
+dinner nor breakfast for the last week, came and sat himself at a little
+distance from me, and without saying a word, brushed the pebbles about
+with his ragged tail, licked his chops, and blinked his little eyes at me
+so hopefully, that, hungry as I was, I could not begin my meat. As I
+looked at him, I observed two tears gather at the side of his nose, and
+grow bigger and bigger until they would no longer stop there, but tumbled
+on to the ground. I could bear it no longer. I do not know even now what
+ailed me; but my own eyes grew so dim, that there seemed a mist before
+them which prevented my seeing anything plainly. I started up, and
+pushing to the poor whelp the piece of meat which had cost me three new
+rents in my coat and a split ear, I trotted slowly away. I stopped at the
+corner to see whether he appeared to enjoy it, and partly to watch that
+no other dog should take it from him. The road was quite clear, and the
+poor pup quite lost in the unusual<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg&nbsp;15]</a></span> treat of a good meal; so I took my
+way homewards, with an empty stomach but a full heart. I was so pleased
+to see that little fellow enjoy his dinner so thoroughly.</p>
+
+<p>This sort of life, wherein one was compelled either to fight for every
+bit one could get to eat or go without food altogether, became at last so
+tiresome to me that I set about for some other means of providing for my
+wants. I could not understand how the old doggess used to manage, but
+though she never had anything to give me, she did not seem to be without
+food herself. She was getting so much more cross and quarrelsome, perhaps
+on account of her age and infirmities, that I now saw but little of her,
+as I often, on a fine night, preferred curling myself up under a doorway
+or beneath a tree, to returning to the kennel and listening to her feeble
+growls. She never seemed to want me there, so I had less difficulty in
+keeping away from her.</p>
+
+<p>Chance assisted me in the choice of my new attempt at getting a living. I
+was walking along one of the narrow streets of Caneville, when I was
+stopped by an old dog, who was known to be very rich and very miserly. He
+had lately invented a novel kind of match for lighting pipes and cigars,
+which he called "a fire-fly," the composition of which was so dangerous
+that it had already caused a good deal of damage in the town from its
+exploding; and he wanted some active young dogs to dispose of his wares
+to the passers-by according to the custom of Caneville. As he expected a
+good deal of opposition from the venders of a rival article, it was
+necessary to make choice of such agents as would not be easily turned
+from their purpose for fear of an odd bite or two. I suppose he thought I
+was well fitted for the object he had in view. I was very poor&mdash;one good
+reason, for his employing me, as I would be contented with little; I was
+strong, and should therefore be able to get through the work; I was
+willing, and bore a reputation for honesty&mdash;all sufficient causes for old
+Fily (that was his name) to stop me this fine morning and propose my
+entering his service. Terms are easily arranged where both parties are
+willing to come to an agreement. After being regaled with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg&nbsp;16]</a></span> mouldy bone,
+and dressed out in an old suit of clothes belonging to my new master,
+which, in spite of a great hole in one of the knees, I was not a little
+proud of, with a bundle of wares under my arm and a box of the famous
+"fire-flies" in my paw, I began my commercial career.</p>
+
+<p>But, alas! either the good dogs of Caneville were little disposed to
+speculate that day, or I was very awkward in my occupation, but no one
+seemed willing to make a trial of my "fire-flies." In vain I used the
+most enticing words to set off my goods, even going so far as to say that
+cigars lighted with these matches would have a very much finer flavour,
+and could not possibly go out. This I said on the authority of my
+employer, who assured me of the fact. It was of no use; not a single
+"fire-fly" blazed in consequence, and I began to fear that I was not
+destined to make my fortune as a match-seller.</p>
+
+<p>At length there came sweeping down the street a party which at once
+attracted me, and I resolved to use my best efforts to dispose, at least,
+of one of my boxes, if it were only to convince my master that I had done
+my best. The principal animal of the group was a lady doggess,
+beautifully dressed, with sufficient stuff in her gown to cover a dozen
+ordinary dogs, a large muff to keep her paws from the cold, and a very
+open bonnet with a garden-full of flowers round her face, which, in spite
+of her rich clothes, I did not think a very pretty one. A little behind
+her was another doggess, not quite so superbly dressed, holding a puppy
+by the paw. It was very certain that they were great animals, for two or
+three dogs they had just passed had taken off their hats as they went by,
+and then put their noses together as if they were saying something about
+them.</p>
+<p><a name="LADY_BULL" id="LADY_BULL"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 391px;">
+<img src="images/024.png" width="393" height="500" alt="LADY BULL" title="" />
+<span class="caption">LADY BULL</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>I drew near, and for the first time in my life was timid and abashed. The
+fine clothes, no doubt, had something to do with making me feel so,
+but&mdash;I was still very young. Taking courage, I went on tiptoe to the
+great lady, and begged her to buy a box of "fire-flies" of a poor dog who
+had no other means of gaining his bread. Now, you must know that these
+matches had not a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg&nbsp;17]</a></span> pleasant smell&mdash;few matches have; but as they were
+shut up in the box, the odour could not have been <i>very</i> sensible.
+However, when I held up the article towards her ladyship, she put her paw
+to her nose&mdash;as though to shut out the odour&mdash;uttered a low howl, and,
+though big enough and strong enough to have sent me head over heels with
+a single blow, seemed on the point of falling to the ground. But at the
+instant, two male servants, whom I had not seen, ran to her assistance,
+while I, who was the innocent cause of all this commotion, stood like a
+silly dog that I was, with my box in the air and my mouth wide open,
+wondering what it all meant. I was not suffered to remain long in
+ignorance; for the two hounds in livery, turning to me, so belaboured my
+poor back that I thought at first my bones were broken; while the young
+puppy, who, it appears, was her ladyship's youngest son, running behind
+me, while I was in this condition, gave my tail such a pull as to cause
+me the greatest pain. They then left me in the middle of the road, to
+reflect on my ill success in trade, and gather up my stock as I best
+could.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know what it was which made me so anxious to learn the name and
+rank of the lady doggess who had been the cause of my severe punishment,
+but I eagerly inquired of a kind mongrel, who stopped to help me collect
+my scattered goods, if he knew anything about her. He said, she was
+called Lady Bull; that her husband. Sir John Bull, had made a large
+fortune somehow, and that they lived in a splendid house, had about
+thirty puppies, little and big, had plenty of servants, and spent a great
+deal of money. He could hardly imagine, he said, that it was the odour of
+the "fire-flies" which had occasioned me to be knocked down for upsetting
+her ladyship, as she had been a butcher's daughter, and was used to queer
+smells, unless her nose had perhaps got more delicate with her change of
+position.</p>
+
+<p>He said much more about her and her peculiarities than I either remember
+or care to repeat; but, imagining he had some private reasons for saying
+what he did, I thanked him for his trouble, and bid him good day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg&nbsp;18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whatever the cause of my failure, it seemed that I was not fitted for the
+match-business. At all events, the experience of that morning did not
+encourage me sufficiently to proceed. So, returning the unsold
+"fire-flies" to old Fily, I made him a present of the time I had already
+spent in his service, and, with a thoughtful face and aching bones, took
+my way towards the kennel by the water-side.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHANGES" id="CHANGES"></a>CHANGES.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The sun was just going down as I came in sight of the river and the row
+of poor kennels which stood on the bank, many of them, like our own,
+projecting half over the water. I could not help wondering at the pretty
+effect they made at a distance, with the blue river dancing gaily by
+their side, the large trees of the wood on the opposite bank waving in
+beauty, and the brilliant sun changing everything that his rays fell upon
+into gold. He made the poor kennels look so splendid for the time, that
+no one would have thought the animals who lived in them could ever be
+poor or unhappy. But when the rich light was gone,&mdash;gone with the sun
+which made it to some other land,&mdash;it seemed as if the whole place was
+changed. The trees shivered as though a cold wind was stirring them. The
+river ran dark and sullenly by the poor houses; and the houses themselves
+looked more wretched, I thought, than they had ever appeared before. Yet,
+somehow, they were more homelike in their dismal state than when they had
+a golden roof and purple sides, so, resuming my walk, for I had stopped
+to admire the pretty picture, I soon came near the door.</p>
+
+<p>It was open, as usual. But what was <i>not</i> usual, was to hear other sounds
+from within than the voice of the old doggess, making ceaseless moans.
+Now it seemed as if all the doggesses of the neighbourhood had met in the
+poor hut to pass the evening, for there was such confusion of tongues,
+and such a rustling sound, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg&nbsp;19]</a></span> told me, before I peeped inside, that
+there was a large party got together, and that tails were wagging at a
+fearful rate.</p>
+
+<p>When I stood before the open door, all the scene broke upon me. On her
+bed of straw, evidently at the point of death, lay my poor doggess. Her
+eyes had almost lost their fierce expression, and were becoming fixed and
+glassy&mdash;a slight tremor in her legs and movement of her stumpy tail, were
+all that told she was yet living; not even her breast was seen to heave.</p>
+
+<p>I had not much reason to bear love to the old creature for any kindness
+she had ever shown me, but this sight overcame me at once. Springing to
+her aide, and upsetting half a dozen of the gossips by the movement, I
+laid my paw on hers; and, involuntarily raising my head in the air, I
+sent forth a howl which shook the rotten timbers of the old kennel, and
+so frightened the assembled party as to make them scamper out of the
+place like mad things. The sound even called back the departing senses of
+the dying doggess. She drew me to her with her paws, and made an effort
+to lick me. The action quite melted me. I put down my head to hers and
+felt a singular pleasure mixed with grief whilst I licked and caressed
+her, I could not help thinking then, as I have often thought since, of
+how much happiness we had lost by not being more indulgent to each
+other's faults, forgiving and loving one another. She also seemed to be
+of this opinion, if I might judge by the grateful look and passive manner
+in which she received my attentions. Perhaps the near approach of her end
+gave a softness to her nature which was unusual to her; it is not
+unlikely; but, of a certainty, I never felt before how much I was losing,
+as when I saw that poor doggess's life thus ebbing away.</p>
+
+<p>Night had come on while I sat watching by her side. Everything about the
+single room had become more and more indistinct, until all objects were
+alike blended in the darkness. I could no longer distinguish the shape of
+my companion, and, but that I <i>knew</i> she was there, I could have thought
+myself alone. The wind had fallen; the water seemed to run more gently
+than it was wont to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg&nbsp;20]</a></span> do; and the noises which generally make themselves
+heard in the streets of Caneville appeared to be singularly quieted. But
+once only, at another period of my life, which I shall speak of in its
+proper place, do I ever remember to have been so struck by the silence,
+and to have felt myself so entirely alone.</p>
+
+<p>The moon appeared to rise quicker that night, as though it pitied the
+poor forlorn dog. It peeped over an opposite house, and directly after,
+shone coldly but kindly through the open door. At least, its light seemed
+to come like the visit of a friend, in spite of its showing me what I
+feared, that I was <i>indeed</i> alone in the world. The poor doggess had died
+in the darkness between the setting of the sun and the moon's rise.</p>
+
+<p>I was sure that she was dead, yet I howled no more. My grief was very
+great; for it is a sad, sad thing when you are young to find you are
+without friends; perhaps sadder when you are old; but that, I fortunately
+do not myself know, for I am old, and have many friends. I recollect
+putting my nose between my paws, and lying at full length on the floor,
+waiting till the bright sun should come again, and thinking of my forlorn
+condition. I must have slept and dreamed&mdash;yet I thought I was still in
+the old kennel with the dead doggess by my side. But everything seemed to
+have found a voice, and to be saying kind things to me.</p>
+
+<p>The river, as it ran and shook the supports of the old kennel, appeared
+to cry out in a rough but gay tone: "Job, Job, my dog, cheer up, cheer
+up; the world is before you, Job, cheer up, cheer up." The light wind
+that was coming by that way stopped to speak to me as it passed. It flew
+round the little room, and whispered as it went: "Poor dog, poor dog, you
+are very lonely; but the good need not be so; the good may have friends,
+dear Job, however poor!" The trees, as they waved their heads, sent
+kindly words across the water, that made their way to my heart right
+through the chinks of the old cabin; and when morning broke, and a bright
+sky smiled beautifully upon the streets of Caneville, I woke up, sad
+indeed, but full of hope.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg&nbsp;21]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some ragged curs arrived, and carried the old doggess away. She was very
+heavy, and they were forced to use all their strength. I saw her cast
+into the water, which she disliked so much alive; I watched her floating
+form until the rapid current bore it into the wood, and I stayed sitting
+on the brink of the river wondering where it would reach at last, and
+what sort of places must lie beyond the trees. I had an idea in my own
+mind that the sun rested there all night, only I could not imagine how it
+came up again in the morning in quite an opposite quarter; but then I was
+such a young and ignorant puppy!</p>
+
+<p>After thinking about this and a good many other matters of no importance
+to my story, I got upon my legs, and trotted gently along the bank,
+towards a part of the city which I did not remember to have seen before.
+The houses were very few, but they were large and handsome, and all had
+pretty gardens in nice order, with flowers which smelt so sweet, that I
+thought the dogs who could always enjoy such advantages must be very
+happy. But one of the houses, larger than all the rest, very much struck
+me, for I had never an idea of such a splendid place being in Caneville.
+It was upon a little hill that stood at some distance from the river, and
+the ground which sloped down from the house into the water was covered
+with such beautiful grass, that it made one long to nibble and roll upon
+it.</p>
+
+<p>While I was quietly looking at this charming scene, I was startled by a
+loud noise of barking and howling higher up the river, and a confused
+sound, as if a great many dogs were assembled at one place, all calling
+out together. I ran at once in the direction of the hubbub, partly out of
+curiosity and in part from some other motive, perhaps the notion of being
+able to render some help.</p>
+
+<p>A little before me the river had a sudden bend, and the bank rose high,
+which prevented me seeing the cause of the noise; but when I reached the
+top, the whole scene was before me. On my side of the river a great crowd
+had assembled, who were looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg&nbsp;22]</a></span> intently upon something in the water;
+and on the opposite bank there was a complete stream of dogs, running
+down to the hill which belonged to the beautiful house I had been
+admiring. Every dog, as he ran, seemed to be trying to make as much noise
+as he could; and those I spoke to were barking so loudly, and jumping
+about in such a way, that I could at first get no explanation of what was
+the matter. At last I saw that the struggling object in the water was a
+young puppy, which seemed very nicely dressed, and at the same moment the
+mongrel, who had helped me to pick up my matches the day before, came
+alongside of me, and said: "Ah, young firefly, how are you? Isn't this a
+game? That old Lady Bull who got you such a drubbing yesterday, is in a
+pretty mess. Her thirty-second pup has just tumbled into the water, and
+will certainly be drowned. Isn't she making a fuss? just look!"</p>
+
+<p>One rapid glance showed me the grand lady he spoke of, howling most
+fearfully on the other side of the stream, while two pups, about the same
+size as the one in the water, and a stout dog, who looked like the papa,
+were sometimes catching hold of her and then running about, not knowing
+what to do.</p>
+
+<p>I stopped no longer. I threw off my over-coat, and running to a higher
+part of the bank, leapt into the water, the mongrel's voice calling after
+me: "What are you going to do? Don't you know its the son of the old
+doggess who had you beat so soundly? Look at your shoulder, where the
+hair has been all knocked off with the blows?" Without paying the least
+attention to these words, which I could not help hearing they were called
+out so loudly, I used all my strength to reach the poor little pup, who,
+tired with his efforts to help himself, had already floated on to his
+back, while his tiny legs and paws were moving feebly in the air. I
+reached him after a few more efforts, and seizing his clothes with my
+teeth, I got his head above the water, and swam with my load slowly
+towards the bank.</p>
+
+<p>As I got nearer, I could see Lady Bull, still superbly dressed, but
+without her bonnet, throw up her paws and nose towards the sky, and fall
+back into the arms of her husband; while the two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg&nbsp;23]</a></span> pups by her side
+expressed their feelings in different ways; for one stuffed his little
+fists into his eyes, and the other waved his cap in the air, and broke
+forth into a succession of infantile bow-wows.</p>
+<p><a name="GOOD_DOG" id="GOOD_DOG"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 395px;">
+<img src="images/032.png" width="396" height="500" alt="GOOD DOG!" title="" />
+<span class="caption">GOOD DOG!</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>On reaching, the bank, I placed my load at the feet of his poor mother,
+who threw herself by his side and hugged him to her breast, in a way
+which proved how much tenderness was under those fine clothes and
+affected manners. The others stood around her uttering low moans of
+sympathy, and I, seeing all so engaged and taken up with the recovered
+dog, quietly, and, as I thought, unseen by all, slid back into the water,
+and permitted myself to be carried by the current down the river. I
+crawled out at some short distance from the spot where this scene had
+taken place, and threw myself on to the grass, in order to rest from my
+fatigue and allow the warm sun to dry my saturated clothes. What I felt I
+can scarce describe, although I remember so distinctly everything
+connected with that morning. My principal sensation was that of savage
+joy, to think I had saved the son of the doggess who had caused me such
+unkind treatment. I was cruel enough, I am sorry to say, to figure to
+myself her pain at receiving such a favour from me&mdash;but that idea soon
+passed away, on reflecting that perhaps she would not even know to whom
+she owed her son's escape from death.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of my ruminations, a light step behind me caused me to raise
+my head. I was positively startled at the beautiful object which I
+beheld. It was a lady puppy about my own age, but so small in size, and
+with such an innocent sweet look, that she seemed much younger. Her dress
+was of the richest kind, and her bonnet, which had fallen back from her
+head, showed her glossy dark hair and drooping ears that hung gracefully
+beside her cheeks. Poorly as I was dressed, and wet as I still was from
+my bath, she sat herself beside me, and putting her little soft paw upon
+my shoulder, said, with a smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Job!&mdash;for I know that's your name&mdash;did you think you could get off
+so quietly without any one seeing you, or stopping you, or saying one
+single 'thank you, Job,' for being such a good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg&nbsp;24]</a></span> noble dog as you are? Did
+you think there was not one sharp eye in Caneville to watch the saver,
+but that all were fixed upon the saved? That every tongue was so engaged
+in sympathizing with the mother, that not one was left to praise the
+brave? If you thought this, dear Job, you did me and others wrong, great
+wrong. There are some dogs, at least, who may forget an injury, but who
+never forget a noble action, and I have too great a love for my species
+to let you think so. I shall see you again, dear Job, though I must leave
+you now. I should be blamed if it were known that I came here to talk to
+you as I have done; but I could not help it, I could not let you believe
+that a noble heart was not understood in Caneville. Adieu. Do not forget
+the name of Fida."</p>
+
+<p>She stooped down, and for a moment her silky hair waved on my rough
+cheek, while her soft tongue gently licked my face. Before I could open
+my mouth in reply&mdash;before, indeed, I had recovered from my surprise, and
+the admiration which this beautiful creature caused me, she was gone. I
+sprang on to my legs to observe which way she went, but not a trace of
+her could I see, and I thought it would not be proper to follow her. When
+I felt certain of being alone, I could hardly restrain my feelings. I
+threw myself on my back, I rolled upon the grass, I turned head over
+heels in the boisterousness of my spirit, and then gambolled round and
+round like a mad thing.</p>
+
+<p>Did I believe all the flattering praises which the lovely Fida had
+bestowed on me? I might perhaps have done so then, and in my inexperience
+might have fancied that I was quite a hero. Time has taught me another
+lesson. It has impressed upon me the truth, that when we do our duty we
+do only what should be expected of every dog; only what every dog ought
+to do. Of the two, Fida had done the nobler action. She had shown not
+only a promptness to feel what she considered good, but she had had the
+courage to say so in private to the doer, although he was of the poorest
+and she of the richest class of Caneville society. In saving the little
+pup's life, I had risked nothing; I knew my strength, and felt certain I
+could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg&nbsp;25]</a></span> bring him safely to the shore. If I had <i>not</i> tried to save the
+poor little fellow I should have been in part guilty of his death. But
+she, in bestowing secret praise and encouragement upon a poor dog who had
+no friends to admire her for so doing, while her action would perhaps
+bring blame upon her from her proud friends, did that which was truly
+good and noble.</p>
+
+<p>The thought of returning to my solitary home after the sad scene of the
+night before, and particularly after the new feelings just excited, was
+not a pleasant one. The bright sky and fresh air seemed to suit me better
+than black walls and the smell of damp straw. Resolving in my mind,
+however, to leave it as soon as possible, I re-crossed the river, and,
+with a slower step than usual, took the road which led thither.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="UPS_AND_DOWNS" id="UPS_AND_DOWNS"></a>UPS AND DOWNS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I should not probably have spoken of these last incidents in my life, as
+the relation of them savours rather too much of vanity, but for certain
+results of the highest importance to my future fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>When I reached the old kennel I found, waiting my return, two terrier
+dogs in livery, with bulls' heads grinning from such a quantity of
+buttons upon their lace coats that it was quite startling. They brought a
+polite message from Sir John and Lady Bull, begging me to call upon them
+without delay. As the servants had orders to show me the road, we set off
+at once.</p>
+
+<p>I was very silent on the journey, for my companions were so splendidly
+dressed that I could not help thinking they must be very superior dogs
+indeed; and I was rather surprised, when they spoke to each other, to
+find that they talked just like any other animals, and a good deal more
+commonly than many that I knew. But such is the effect of fine clothes
+upon those who know no better.</p>
+
+<p>We soon reached the grounds of the mansion, having crossed the river in a
+boat that was waiting for us; and after passing through a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg&nbsp;26]</a></span> garden more
+beautiful than my poor dog's brain had ever imagined, we at last stood
+before the house itself. I need not describe to you, who know the place
+so well, the vastness of the building or the splendour of its appearance.
+What struck me more even than the palace, was the number of the servants
+and the richness of their clothes. Each of them seemed fine enough to be
+the master of the place, and appeared really to think so, if I could
+judge by the way they strutted about and the look they gave at my poor
+apparel. I was much abashed at first to find myself in such a company and
+make so miserable a figure; but I was consoled with the thought that not
+one of them that morning had ventured, in spite of his eating his
+master's meat and living in his master's house, to plunge into the water
+to save his master's son. Silly dog that I was! it did not enter my head
+at the same time to inquire whether any of them had learnt to swim.</p>
+
+<p>If the outside of the mansion had surprised me by its beauty, the
+interior appeared of course much more extraordinary to my ignorant mind.
+Every thing I was unused to looked funny or wonderful; and if I had not
+been restrained by the presence of such great dogs, I should have
+sometimes laughed outright, and at others broken forth into expressions
+of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The stout Sir John Bull was standing in the middle of the room when I
+entered it, while the stouter Lady Bull was lying on a kind of sofa, that
+seemed quite to sink beneath her weight. I found out afterwards that it
+was the softness of the sofa which made it appear so; for sitting on it
+myself, at my Lady's request, I jumped up in the greatest alarm, on
+finding the heaviest part of my body sink lower and lower down, and my
+tail come flapping into my face.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John and Lady Bull now thanked me very warmly for what I had done,
+and said a great many things which it is not worth while to repeat. I
+remember they were very pleasing to me then, but I am sure cannot be
+interesting to you now. After their thanks, Sir John began to talk to me
+about myself&mdash;about my parents&mdash;my wishes&mdash;what I intended to do&mdash;and
+what were my means? To<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg&nbsp;27]</a></span> his great surprise he learnt that parents I had
+none; that my only wishes were the desire to do some good for myself and
+others, and earn my meat; that I had no notion what I intended doing, and
+had no means whatever to do anything with. It may be believed that I
+willingly accepted his offer to watch over a portion of his grounds, to
+save them from the depredations of thieves, on condition of my receiving
+good clothes, plenty of food, and a comfortable house to live in. It was
+now my turn to be thankful. But although my heart was full at this piece
+of good fortune, and I could <i>think</i> of a great many things to say to
+show my gratitude, not a single word could I find to express it in, but
+stood before them like a dumb dog, with only the wave of my tail to
+explain my thanks. They seemed, however, to understand it, and I was at
+once ordered a complete suit of clothes and everything fitted for my new
+position. I was also supplied with the most abundant supper I had ever
+had in my life, and went to rest upon the most delightful bed; so that
+before I went to sleep, and I do believe afterwards too, I kept saying to
+myself, "Job, Job, you have surely got some other dog's place; all this
+good luck can't be meant for you; what have you done, Job, that you
+should eat such meat, and sleep on so soft a bed, and be spoken to so
+kindly? Don't forget yourself, Job; there must be some mistake." But when
+I got up in the morning, and found a breakfast for me as nice as the
+supper, and looked at my clothes, which, if not so smart as some of the
+others, were better and finer than any I could ever have thought I should
+have worn, I was at last convinced, that although I was poor Job, and
+although I did not, perhaps, deserve all the happiness I felt, that it
+was not a dream, but real, plain truth. "As it is so," I said again, "I
+must do my duty as well as I am able, for that is the only way a poor dog
+like me can show his gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, I accompanied Sir John to the place of my future home. A
+quarter of an hour's walk brought us to a gentle hill, which, similar to
+the one whereon the mansion itself was situated, sloped downwards to the
+water. One or two trees, like giant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg&nbsp;28]</a></span> sentinels, stood near the top, and
+behind them waved the branches of scores more, while beyond for many a
+mile spread the dark mass of the thick forest of which I have more than
+once made mention. Nearly at the foot of the hill, beneath a spreading
+oak, was a cottage, a very picture of peace and neatness; and as we
+paused, Sir John pointed out the peculiarities of the position and
+explained my duties. It appeared that this part of his grounds was noted
+for a delicate kind of bird, much esteemed by himself and his family, and
+which was induced to flock there by regular feeding and the quiet of the
+situation. This fact was, however, perfectly well known to others besides
+Sir John; and as these others were just as fond of the birds as himself,
+they were accustomed to pay nightly visits to the forbidden ground, and
+carry off many of the plumpest fowl. The wood was known to shelter many a
+wandering fox, who, although dwelling so near the city, could not be
+prevailed on to abandon their roguish habits and live in a civilised
+manner. These birds were particularly to their taste, and it required the
+greatest agility to keep off the cunning invaders, for, though they had
+no great courage, and would not attempt to resist a bold dog, they
+frequently succeeded in eluding all vigilance and getting off with their
+booty. Often, too, a stray cur, sometimes two or three together, from the
+lowest classes of the population, would, when moved by hunger, make a
+descent on the preserves, and battles of a fierce character not seldom
+occurred, for, unlike the foxes, they were never unwilling to fight, but
+showed the utmost ferocity when attacked, and were often the aggressors.
+But those were not all. The grounds were exactly opposite that part of
+the city of Caneville known as the "Mews," and occupied by the cat
+population, who have a general affection for most birds, and held these
+preserved ones in particular esteem. Fortunately, the water that
+interposed was a formidable barrier for the feline visitors, as few
+pussies like to wet their feet; but, by some means or other, they
+frequently found their way across, and by their dexterity, swiftness, and
+the quiet of their movements, committed terrible ravages among the birds.
+When Sir John had told me all this, he led the way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg&nbsp;29]</a></span> down the hill to the
+small house under the tree. It had two rooms, with a kennel at the back.
+The front room was the parlour, and I thought few places could have been
+so neat and pretty. The back was the sleeping-room, and the windows of
+both looked out upon the soft grass and trees, and showed a fine view of
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>"This," said Sir John, "is your house, and I hope you will be happy in it
+yourself, and be of service to me. You will not be alone, for
+there"&mdash;pointing to the kennel at the back&mdash;"sleeps an old servant of the
+family, who will assist you in your duties."</p>
+
+<p>He then called out "Nip," when a rumbling noise was heard from the
+kennel, and directly after a lame hound came hopping round to the door.
+The sight of this old fellow was not pleasant at first, for his hair was
+a grizzly brown and his head partly bald; his eyes were sunk, and,
+indeed, almost hidden beneath his bushy brows, and his cheeks hung down
+below his mouth and shook with every step he took. I soon found out that
+he was as singular in his manners as in his looks, and had such a dislike
+to talking that it was a rare thing for him to say more than two or three
+words at one time. Sir John told him who I was, and desired him to obey
+my orders; commanded us both to be good friends and not quarrel, as
+strange dogs were rather apt to do; and after some more advice left us to
+ourselves, I in a perfect dream of wonderment, and "Nip" sitting winking
+at me in a way that I thought more funny than agreeable.</p>
+
+<p>After we had sat looking at one another for some time, I said, just to
+break the silence, which was becoming tiresome&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"A pretty place this!"</p>
+
+<p>Nip winked.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been here long?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Think so," said Nip.</p>
+
+<p>"All alone?" I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Almost," Nip replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Much work to do, eh?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>The only answer Nip gave to this was by winking first one eye<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg&nbsp;30]</a></span> and then
+the other, and making his cheeks rise and fall in a way so droll that I
+could not help laughing, at which Nip seemed to take offence, for without
+waiting for any farther questions he hopped out of the room, and I saw
+him, soon after, crawling softly up the hill, as if on the look out for
+some of the thieves Sir John had spoken of.</p>
+
+<p>I, too, went off upon the watch. I took my way along the bank, I glided
+among the bushes, ran after a young fox whose sharp nose I spied pointed
+up a tree, but without catching him, and finally returned to my new home
+by the opposite direction. Nip came in shortly after, and we sat down to
+our dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Although this portion of my life was, perhaps, the happiest I have ever
+known, it has few events worth relating. The stormy scenes which are so
+painful to the dog who suffers them, are those which are most interesting
+to the hearer; while the quiet days, that glide peacefully away, are so
+like each other, that an account of one of them is a description of many.
+A few hours can be so full of action, as to require volumes to describe
+them properly, and the history of whole years can be written on a single
+page.</p>
+
+<p>I tried, as I became fixed in my new position, to do what I had resolved
+when I entered it; namely, my duty. I think I succeeded; I certainly
+obtained my master's praise, and sometimes my own; for I had a habit of
+talking to myself, as Nip so rarely opened his mouth, and would praise or
+blame myself just as I thought I deserved it. I am afraid I was not
+always just, but too often said, "Well done, Job; that's right, Job;"
+when I ought to have called out, "You're wrong, Job; you ought to feel,
+Job, that you're wrong;" but it is not so easy a thing to be just, even
+to ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>One good lesson I learned in that little cottage, which has been of use
+to me all my life through; and that was, to be very careful about judging
+dogs by their looks. There was old Nip: when I first saw him, I thought I
+had never beheld such an ugly fellow in my life, and could not imagine
+how anything good was to be expected from so cross a looking, ragged old
+hound. And yet nothing could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg&nbsp;31]</a></span> be more beautiful, more loveable than dear
+old Nip, when you came to know him well. All the misfortunes he had
+suffered, all the knocks he had received in passing through the world,
+seemed to have made his heart more tender; and he was so entirely
+good-natured, that in all the time we were together, I never heard him
+say an unkind thing of living or dead animal. I believe his very silence
+was caused by the goodness of his disposition; for as he could not help
+seeing many things he did not like, but could not alter, he preferred
+holding his tongue to saying what could not be agreeable. Dear, dear Nip!
+if ever it should be resolved to erect a statue of goodness in the public
+place of Caneville, they ought to take you for a model; you would not be
+so pleasant to look on as many finer dogs, but when once known, your
+image would be loved, dear Nip, as I learned to love the rugged original.</p>
+
+<p>It can be of no interest to you to hear the many fights we had in
+protecting the property of our master during the first few moons after my
+arrival. Almost every night we were put in danger of lives, for the curs
+came in such large numbers that there was a chance of our being pulled to
+pieces in the struggle. Yet we kept steady watch; and after a time,
+finding, I suppose, that we were never sleeping at our post, and that our
+courage rose with every fresh attack, the thieves gradually gave up open
+war, and only sought to entrap the birds by artifice; and, like the foxes
+and cats, came sneaking into the grounds, and trusted to the swiftness of
+their legs rather than the sharpness of their teeth when Nip or I caught
+sight of them.</p>
+
+<p>And thus a long, long time passed away. I had, meanwhile, grown to my
+full size, and was very strong and active: not so stout as I have got in
+these later years, when my toes sometimes ache with the weight which
+rests on them, but robust and agile, and as comely, I believe, as most
+dogs of my age and descent.</p>
+
+<p>The uniformity of my life, which I have spoken of as making me so happy,
+was interrupted only by incidents that did not certainly cause me
+displeasure. I renewed my acquaintance with "Fida," no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg&nbsp;32]</a></span> longer <i>little</i>
+Fida, for she had grown to be a beautiful lady-dog. Our second meeting
+was by chance, but we talked like old friends, so much had our first done
+to remove all strangeness. I don't think the next time we saw each other
+was quite by accident. If I remember rightly, it was not; and we often
+met afterwards. We agreed that we should do all we could to assist one
+another, though what <i>I</i> could do for so rich and clever a lady-dog I
+could not imagine, although I made the promise very willingly. On her
+part, she did for me what I can never sufficiently repay. She taught me
+to read, lending me books containing strange stories of far-off
+countries, and beautiful poetry, written by some deep dogs of the city;
+she taught me to write; and in order to exercise me, made me compose
+letters to herself, which Nip carried to her, bringing me back such
+answers as would astonish you; for when you thought you had got to the
+end, they began all over again in another direction. Besides these, she
+taught me to speak and act properly, in the way that well-behaved dogs
+ought to do; for I had been used to the company of such low and poor
+animals, that it was not surprising if I should make sad blunders in
+speech and manners. I need not say that she taught me to love herself,
+for that you will guess I had done from the first day I saw her, when I
+was wet from my jump in the river, and she spoke to me such flattering
+words. No; she could not teach me more love for herself than I already
+knew. That lesson had been learnt <i>by heart</i>, and at a single sitting.</p>
+
+<p>Our peaceful days were drawing to a close. Sir John died. Lady Bull lived
+on for a short time longer. Many said, when she followed, that she ate
+herself to death; but I mention the rumour in order to deny it, for I am
+sure it was grief that killed her. It is a pity some dogs will repeat
+everything they hear, without considering the mischief such tittle-tattle
+may occasion&mdash;although it has been asserted by many that in this case the
+false intelligence came from the Cats, who had no great affection for
+poor Lady Bull. Whatever the cause, she died, and with her the employment
+of poor Nip and myself. The young Bulls who came into possession of the
+estate, sold the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg&nbsp;33]</a></span> preserves to a stranger; and as the new proprietor
+intended killing off the birds, and did not require keepers, there being
+no longer anything for them to do, we were turned upon the world.</p>
+
+<p>The news came upon us so suddenly, that we were quite unprepared for it;
+and we were, besides, so far from being rich, that it was a rather
+serious matter to find out how we should live until we could get some
+other occupation. I was not troubled for myself; for, though I had been
+used to good feeding lately, I did not forget the time when I was often
+forced to go the whole day with scarce a bit to eat; but the thought of
+how poor old Nip would manage gave me some pain.</p>
+
+<p>Having bid adieu to the peaceful cottage, where we had spent such happy
+times, we left the green fields and pleasant trees and proceeded to the
+town, where, after some difficulty, we found a humble little house which
+suited our change of fortune. Here we began seriously to muse over what
+we should do. I proposed making a ferry-boat of my back, and, stationing
+myself at the waterside near the "Mews," swim across the river with such
+cats as required to go over and did not like to walk as far as where the
+boat was accustomed to be. By these means I calculated on making enough
+money to keep us both comfortably. Nip thought not. He said that the cats
+would not trust me&mdash;few cats ever did trust the dogs&mdash;and then, though he
+did not dislike cats, not at all, for he knew a great many very sensible
+cats, and very good ones too, he did not like the idea of seeing his
+friend walked over by cats or dogs, or any other animal, stranger or
+domestic. Besides, there were other objections. Strong as I was, I could
+not expect, if I made a boat of myself, that I could go on and on without
+wanting repair any more than a real boat; but where was the carpenter to
+put <i>me</i> to rights, or take out <i>my</i> rotten timbers and put in fresh
+ones. No; that would not do; we must think of something else.</p>
+
+<p>It must not be imagined that Nip made all this long speech in one breath,
+or in a dozen breaths. It took him a whole morning to explain himself
+even as clearly as I have tried to do; and perhaps I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg&nbsp;34]</a></span> may still have
+written what he did not quite intend, for his words came out with a jump,
+one or two at a time, and often so suddenly that it would have startled a
+dog who was not used to his manner.</p>
+
+<p>Nip himself made the next proposal, and though I did not exactly like it,
+there seemed so little choice, that I at once agreed to do my part in the
+scheme. Nip was the son of a butcher, and though he had followed the
+trade but a short time himself, he was a very good judge of meat. He,
+therefore, explained that if I would undertake to become the seller, he
+would purchase and prepare the meat, and he thought he could make it look
+nice enough to induce the dogs to come and buy.</p>
+
+<p>Our stock of money being very small, a house-shop was out of the
+question, so there was no chance of getting customers from the better
+class,&mdash;a thing which I regretted, as I had little taste for the society
+of the vulgar; but, again, as it could not be helped, the only thing to
+do was to make the best of it. A wheelbarrow was therefore bought by Nip,
+with what else was necessary to make me a complete "walking butcher," and
+having got in a stock of meat the day before, Nip cut, and contrived, and
+shaped, and skewered, in so quiet and business-like a way as proved he
+knew perfectly well what he was about. With early morning, after Nip had
+arranged my dress with the same care as he had bestowed upon the barrow
+and its contents, I wheeled my shop into the street, and amid a great
+many winks of satisfaction from my dear old friend, I went trudging
+along, bringing many a doggess to the windows of the little houses by my
+loud cry of "Me-eet! Fresh me-eet!"</p>
+
+<p>As I was strange in my new business, and did not feel quite at my ease, I
+fancied every dog I met, and every eye that peeped from door and
+casement, stared at me in a particular manner, as if they knew I was
+playing my part for the first time, and were watching to see how I did
+it. The looks that were cast at my meat, were all, I thought, intended
+for me, and when a little puppy leered suspiciously at the barrow as he
+was crossing the road, no doubt to see that it did not run over him, I
+could only imagine that he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg&nbsp;35]</a></span> thinking of the strange figure I made,
+and my awkward attempt at getting a living. Feelings like these no doubt
+alarm every new beginner; but time and habit, if they do not reconcile us
+to our lot, will make it at least easier to perform, and thus, after some
+two hours' journeying through the narrow lanes of Caneville, I did what
+my business required of me with more assurance than when I first set out.</p>
+
+<p>One thing, however, was very distasteful to me, and I could so little
+bear to see it, that I even spoke of it aloud, and ran the risk of
+offending some of my customers. I mean the <i>way</i> in which several of the
+dogs devoured the meat after they had bought it. You will think that when
+they had purchased their food and paid for it, they had a right to eat it
+as they pleased: I confess it; nothing can be more true; but still, my
+ideas had changed so of late, that it annoyed me very much to see many of
+these curs, living as they did in the most civilized city in this part of
+the world, gnawing their meat as they held it on the ground with their
+paws, and growling if any one came near as though there was no such thing
+as a police in Caneville. I forgot when I was scolding these poor dogs,
+that perhaps they had never been taught better, and deserved pity rather
+than blame. I forgot too that I had myself behaved as they did before I
+had been blessed with happier fortune, and that, even then, if I had
+looked into my own conduct, I should have found many things more worthy
+of censure than these poor curs' mode of devouring their food.</p>
+
+<p>The lane I was passing along was cut across by a broad and open street,
+the favourite promenade of the fashionables of Caneville. There might be
+seen about mid-day, when the sun was shining, troops of well-dressed dogs
+and a few superior cats, some attended by servants, others walking alone,
+and many in groups of two or three, the male dogs smoking cigars, the
+ladies busily talking, while they looked at and admired one another's
+pretty dresses and bonnets.</p>
+
+<p>By the time I had got thus far, I had become tolerably used to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg&nbsp;36]</a></span> my new
+work, and could imagine that when the passers-by cast their eyes on my
+barrow, their glances had more to do with the meat than with myself. But
+I did not like the idea of crossing the road where such grand dogs were
+showing off their finery. After a little inward conversation with myself,
+which finished with my muttering between my teeth, "Job, brother Job, I
+am ashamed of you! where is your courage, brother Job? Go on; go on;" I
+went on without further delay.</p>
+
+<p>I had got half-way across, and was already beginning to praise myself for
+the ease with which I turned my barrow in and out of the crowd without
+running over the toes of any of the puppies, who were far too much
+engaged to look after them themselves when a dirty little cur stopped me
+to buy a penn'orth of meat. I set down my load just in time to avoid
+upsetting a very fat and splendidly dressed doggess, who must, if I had
+run the wheel into her back, and it was very near it, have gone head
+foremost into the barrow. This little incident made me very hot, and I
+did not get cooler when my customer squatted down in the midst of the
+well-dressed crowd, and began tearing his meat in the way I have before
+described as being so unpleasant. At the same moment another dog by his
+side, with a very ragged coat, and queer little face, held up his paw to
+ask for "a little bit," as he was very hungry, "only a little bit." I
+should, probably, have given him a morsel, as I remembered the time when
+I wanted it as much as he seemed to do, but for an unexpected meeting.
+Turning my head at a rustling just behind me, I saw a well-dressed dog,
+with a hat of the last fashion placed so nicely on his head that it
+seemed to be resting on the bridge of his nose, the smoke from a cigar
+issuing gracefully from his mouth, and his head kept in an upright
+posture by a very stiff collar which ran round the back of his neck, and
+entirely prevented his turning round his head without a great deal of
+care and deliberation, while a tuft of hair curled nicely from beneath
+his chin, and gave a fine finish to the whole dog. But though I have
+spoken of this Caneville fashionable, it was not he who caused the
+rustling noise, or who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg&nbsp;37]</a></span> most attracted my attention. Tripping beside
+him, with her soft paw beneath his, was a lady-dog, whose very dress told
+her name, at least in my eyes, before I saw her face. I felt sure that it
+was Fida, and I wished myself anywhere rather than in front of that
+barrow with an ill-bred cur at my feet gnawing the penn'orth of meat he
+had just bought of me. Before I had time to catch up my load and depart,
+a touch on my shoulder, so gentle that it would not have hurt a fly, and
+yet which made me tremble more than if it had been the grip of a giant
+animal, forced me again to turn. It <i>was</i> Fida; as beautiful and as fresh
+as ever, who gave me a sweet smile of recognition and encouragement as
+she passed with her companion, and left me standing there as stupid and
+uncomfortable as if I had been caught doing something wrong.</p>
+<p><a name="A_CANINE_BUTCHER" id="A_CANINE_BUTCHER"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 375px;">
+<img src="images/047.png" width="384" height="500" alt="A CANINE BUTCHER" title="" />
+<span class="caption">A CANINE BUTCHER</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>You will say that it was very ridiculous in me to feel so ashamed and
+disconcerted at being seen by her or any other dog or doggess in my
+common dress, and following an honest occupation. I do not deny it. And
+in telling you these things I have no wish to spare myself, I have no
+excuse to offer, but only to relate events and describe feelings
+precisely as they were.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_INUNDATION" id="THE_INUNDATION"></a>THE INUNDATION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>That evening it seemed as if Nip and I had changed characters. It was he
+who did all the talking, while I sat in a corner, full of thought, and
+answered yes or no to everything he said, and sometimes in the wrong
+place, I am sure; for once or twice he looked at me very attentively, and
+winked in a way which proved that he was puzzled by my manner.</p>
+
+<p>The reason of his talkativeness was the success I had attained in my
+first morning's walk, for I had sold nearly all the meat, and brought
+home a pocket full of small money. The cause of my silence was the
+unexpected meeting with Fida, and the annoyance I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg&nbsp;38]</a></span> felt at having been
+seen by her in such a position. This was the first time I had set eyes on
+her for several days. When we left our pretty country lodging, I wrote
+her a letter, which Nip carried as usual to her house, but he was told
+that she had gone on a visit to some friends at a distance, but that the
+letter should be given to her on her return. I had not, therefore, been
+able to inform her of what we had been compelled to do, as I would have
+wished; but thus, without preparation, quite unexpectedly, I had been met
+by her in the public street, acting the poor dogs' butcher, with the
+implements of my business before me, and a dirty cur growling and gnawing
+his dinner at my feet. What made the matter more serious, for serious it
+seemed to me, though I can but smile <i>now</i> to think why such a thing
+should have made me uncomfortable, was, that the whole scene had taken
+place in so open a part, with so many grand and gay dogs all round, to be
+witnesses of my confusion. I did not reflect that, of all the puppies who
+were strutting past, there was probably not one who could have remembered
+so common an event as the passing of a butcher's barrow; and if they
+looked at me at all, it was, doubtless, for no other reason than to avoid
+running against my greasy coat and spoiling their fine clothes. These
+confessions will prove to you that I was very far from being a wise dog
+or even a sensible one; all the books I had read had, as yet, served no
+other purpose than that of feeding my vanity and making me believe I was
+a very superior animal; and you may learn from this incident, that those
+who wish to make a proper figure in the world, and play the part they are
+called on to perform in a decent manner, must study their lesson in the
+world itself, by mingling with their fellows, for books alone can no more
+teach such knowledge than it can teach a dog to swim without his going
+into the water.</p>
+
+<p>Nip and I had our dinner; and when it was over, my old friend went out to
+procure a supply of meat for the next day's business. I sat at the window
+with my nose resting on the ledge, at times watching some heavy clouds
+which were rolling up the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg&nbsp;39]</a></span> sky, as if to attend a great meeting overhead;
+at another moment, looking at the curs in the streets, who were playing
+all sorts of games, which generally turned into a fight, and often
+staring at the house opposite without seeing a single stone in the wall,
+but in their place, Fidas, and puppies with stiff collars, and barrows
+with piles of meat, ready cut and skewered. I was awoke from this
+day-dream by the voice of an old, but very clean doggess, inquiring if my
+name was Mr. Job? I answered that I was so called, when she drew from her
+pocket and gave me a pink-coloured note, which smelt like a nice garden,
+and even brought one to my view as plainly as if it had suddenly danced
+before me, and saying there was no reply, returned by the way she had
+come.</p>
+
+<p>I did not require to be told by whom it was sent. I knew the writing too
+well. The neat folding, the small but clean address assured me that a
+lady's paw had done it all, and every word of the direction&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class='letrbox'>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">MASTER JOB,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In the Little Dogs' Street,&nbsp; &nbsp; </span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">F.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  LOWER CANEVILLE.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>spoke to me of Fida, and did not even need the F. in the corner to
+convince me of the fact. With her permission, I here give you the
+contents:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">&nbsp;&nbsp;"My dear Job</span>,</p>
+
+
+<p>"I am sorry I was away from home when your letter arrived, and
+would have told you I was going, but that I thought the news
+might cause you pain, as I, by some mischance, had got my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg&nbsp;40]</a></span>
+tail jammed in a door, and was forced to leave home in order
+to visit a famous doctor, who lives at some distance. He
+fortunately cured me after a few days' illness, and the tail
+wags now as freely as ever, although it was very annoying, as
+well as ridiculous, to see me walking up and down the room
+with that wounded member so wrapped up that it was as thick as
+my whole body, and was quite a load to drag about.</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear Job, I do not write this to talk about myself,
+though I am forced to give you this explanation of my silence:
+what I wish is to say something about <i>you</i>. And to begin, as
+you have always been a good, kind dog, and listened to me
+patiently when I have praised, you must now be just as kind
+and good, and even more patient, because I am going to scold.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Job, when I met you this morning in your new dress and
+occupation, I had not then read your letter. I had but just
+returned, and was taking a walk with my brother, who had
+arrived from abroad during my absence. I knew you at once, in
+spite of your change of costume, and though I did not
+particularly like the business you had chosen, I felt certain
+you had good reasons for having selected it. But when I looked
+in your face, instead of the smile of welcome which I expected
+from you, I could read nothing but shame, confusion, and
+annoyance. Why? dear Job, why? If you were <i>ashamed</i> of your
+occupation, why had you chosen it? I suppose when you took it
+up, you resolved to do your duty in it properly; then why feel
+<i>shame</i> because <i>your friend</i> sees you, as you must have
+thought she would one day see you, since the nature of your
+new business carries you into different parts of the city?</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear Job, I feel certain, and I would like you to be
+equally sure, that there is no need of <i>shame</i> in following
+any busines which is <i>honest</i>, and which can be carried on
+without doing injury to others. It is not the business,
+believe me, dear Job, which lowers a dog; <i>he himself</i> is
+alone capable of <i>lowering</i> himself, and one dog may be truly
+good and noble, though he drive a meat-barrow about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg&nbsp;41]</a></span>
+streets, while another may be a miserable, mean animal, though
+living in a palace and never soiling his paws.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a great deal more to say, my dear Job, upon this
+subject, but I must leave the rest till I see you. I have
+already crossed and recrossed my note, and may be most
+difficult to understand where I most want to be clear. Here is
+a nice open space, however, in the corner, which I seize on
+with pleasure to write myself most distinctly,</p>
+
+
+<p class='right'>"Your friend,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+"<span class="smcap">Fida</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>A variety of feelings passed through my mind as I read these lines. But
+they were all lost in my wonder at Fida's cleverness in being able to
+read my face, as if it had been a book. I was grateful to her for the
+good advice she gave me, and now felt ashamed for having been ashamed
+before. The best way I thought to prove my thankfulness would be to act
+openly and naturally as Fida had pointed out, for I could not help
+confessing, as my eyes looked again and again over her note, that she was
+quite right, and that I had acted like a very silly animal.</p>
+
+<p>I was interrupted during my reflections by the bursting of rain upon the
+house-roofs, and the stream which rose from the streets as the large
+drops came faster and faster down. I went to the door to look for my old
+friend, but not a dog was to be seen. I was surprised at the sight of the
+sky where I had observed the clouds rising a little while before, for now
+those same clouds looked like big rocks piled one above another, with
+patches of light shining through great caverns.</p>
+
+<p>As I stared eagerly down the street, torrents of water poured from above,
+which, instead of diminishing, seemed to be growing more terrible every
+moment. I had never seen so fearful a storm. It did not appear like mere
+rain which was falling; the water came down in broad sheets, and changed
+the road into a river. I got more and more anxious about old Nip. It was
+getting dark, and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg&nbsp;42]</a></span> knew he was not strong. My hope was that he had
+taken shelter somewhere; but I could not rest, for I was sure he would
+try and get home, if only to quiet me. While running in and out in my
+anxiety&mdash;the water having meanwhile risen above the sill of the door, and
+poured into our little house, where it was already above my paws&mdash;I spied
+a dark figure crawling along the street, and with great difficulty making
+way against the beating of the storm. I at once rushed out, and swimming
+rather than running towards the object, I found my poor friend almost
+spent with fatigue, and scarcely able to move, having a heavy load to
+carry besides his own old limbs, which were not fit to battle with such a
+tempest. I caught up his package; and assisting him as well as I was
+able, we at length got to our cottage, though we were forced to get upon
+the bench that stood by the wall to keep our legs out of the water. The
+rain had now become a perfect deluge. A stream of water went hissing down
+the street, and rushed in and out of the houses as if they had been
+baths.</p>
+
+<p>When Nip recovered breath, he told me that terrible things were happening
+in the parts of the city by the waterside. The river had swollen so much,
+that some kennels had been carried away by the current, and it was
+impossible to learn how many poor dogs had been drowned. This news made
+me jump again from the bench where I had been sitting.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" said Nip.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going out, Nip," replied I. "I must not be idle here, when I can,
+perhaps, be of use somewhere else."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," said Nip; "but, Job, strong as you are, the storm is
+stronger."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Nip," answered I; "but there are dogs weaker than myself who may
+require such assistance as I can give them, and it is not a time for a
+dog to sit with his tail curled round him, when there are
+fellow-creatures who may want a helping paw. So good-bye, old friend; try
+and go to sleep; you have done your duty as long as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg&nbsp;43]</a></span> your strength let
+you, it is now for me to do mine." Without waiting for a reply, I rushed
+out at the door.</p>
+
+<p>It did not need much exertion to get through our street or the next, or
+the next after that, for as they all sloped downwards, the water more
+than once took me off my legs, and carried me along. Sad as Nip's news
+had been, I was not prepared for the terrible scene which met my eyes
+when I got near the river. The houses at the lower part of the street I
+had reached had been swept away by the torrent, and a crowd of shivering
+dogs stood looking at the groaning river as it rolled past in great waves
+as white as milk, in which black objects, either portions of some kennel
+or articles of furniture, were floating. Every now and then, a howl would
+break from a doggess in the crowd, as a dead body was seen tossed about
+by the angry water; and the same dolorous cries might be heard from
+different quarters, mixed up with the roar of the river.</p>
+
+<p>While standing with a group of three or four, staring with astonishment
+at the frightful scene, uncertain what to do, a howl was heard from
+another direction, so piercing that it made many of us run to learn the
+cause. The pale light showed us that the torrent had snapped the supports
+of a house at some distance from the river's bank, but which the swollen
+stream had now reached, and carried away at least half the building. By
+some curious chance, the broken timbers had become fixed for the moment
+in the boiling water, which, angry at the obstruction, was rushing round
+or flying completely over them; and it was easy to see that in a very
+short time the mass would be swept away. Upon the timbers thus exposed
+were three little pups scarce two months old, yelping most dismally as
+they crouched together, or crawled to the edge of their raft; while on
+the floor of the ruin from which this side had been torn away, was their
+poor mother, whose fearful howl had attracted us thither, and who was
+running from side to side of the shattered hut as if she was frantic.</p>
+
+<p>Great as the danger was, I could not bear to think the wretched<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg&nbsp;44]</a></span> mother
+should see her little ones swallowed up by the stormy water, before her
+very eyes, without a single attempt being made to save them. Although I
+could scarcely hope even to reach them in safety, and in no case could
+bring more than one of them to land at once, if I even got so far, I
+resolved to make the trial. Better save one, I thought, than let all die.</p>
+
+<p>Holding my breath, I launched into the current in the direction of the
+raft, and soon found that I had not been wrong in calculating the
+difficulties and dangers of the undertaking. It was not the water alone
+which made the peril so great, though the eddies seemed at every moment
+to be pulling me to the bottom, but there were so many things rushing
+along with the stream as to threaten to crush me as they flew by; and had
+they struck me, there is no doubt there would have been an end of my
+adventures. Avoiding them all, though I know not how, I was getting near
+the spot where the little pups were crying for their mother, when I felt
+myself caught in an eddy and dragged beneath the water. Without losing
+courage, but not allowing myself to breathe, I made a strong effort, and
+at last, got my head above the surface again; but where was the raft?
+Where were the helpless puppies? All had gone&mdash;not a trace was left to
+tell where they had been&mdash;the river foamed over the spot that had held
+them for a time, and was now rushing along as if boasting of its
+strength.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing my intentions thus defeated, I turned my head towards the shore,
+resolving to swim to land. To my surprise, I found that I made no
+progress. I put out all my strength&mdash;I fought with the water&mdash;I threw
+myself forward&mdash;it was in vain&mdash;I could not move a paw's breadth against
+the current. I turned to another point&mdash;I again used every exertion&mdash;all
+was useless&mdash;I felt my tired limbs sink under me&mdash;I felt the stream
+sweeping me away&mdash;my head turned round in the agony of that moment, and I
+moaned aloud.</p>
+
+<p>My strength was now gone&mdash;I could scarce move a paw to keep my head down
+the river. A dark object came near&mdash;it was a large piece of timber,
+probably a portion of some ruined building.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg&nbsp;45]</a></span> Seizing it as well as my
+weakness would permit me, I laid my paws over the floating wood, and,
+dragging my body a little more out of the water, got some rest from my
+terrible labours.</p>
+<p><a name="AFLOAT" id="AFLOAT"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 388px;">
+<img src="images/058.png" width="388" height="500" alt="AFLOAT" title="" />
+<span class="caption">AFLOAT</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Where was I hurrying to? I knew not. Every familiar object must have been
+long passed, but it was too obscure to make out anything except the angry
+torrent. On, on I went, in darkness and in fear&mdash;yes, great fear, not of
+death, but a fear caused by the strangeness of my position, and the
+uncertainty before me; on, on, till the black shores seemed to fly from
+each other, and the river to grow and grow until all land had
+disappeared, and nothing but the water met my aching eyes. I closed them
+to shut out the scene, and tried to forget my misery.</p>
+
+<p>Had I slept? And what was the loud noise which startled me so that I had
+nearly let go my hold? I roused myself&mdash;I looked around&mdash;I was tossing up
+and down with a regular motion, but could see nothing clearly, I was no
+longer carried forward so swiftly as before, but the dim light prevented
+me making out the place I was now in.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, a flash broke from the black clouds, and for a single moment
+shed a blue light over everything. What a spectacle! All around, for
+miles and miles and miles, was nothing but dancing water, like shining
+hills with milky tops, but not a living creature beside myself to keep me
+company, or say a kind word, or listen to me when I spoke, or pity me
+when I moaned! Oh! who could tell what I then felt, what I feared, and
+what I suffered! Alone! alone!</p>
+
+<p>When I think, as I often do now, of that terrible scene, and figure to
+myself my drenched body clinging to that piece of timber, I seem to feel
+a strange pity for the miserable dog thus left, as it seemed, to die,
+away from all his fellows, without a friendly howl raised, to show there
+was a single being to regret his loss&mdash;and I cannot help at such times
+murmuring to myself, as if it were some other animal, "Poor Job! poor
+dog!"</p>
+
+<p>I remember a dimness coming over my eyes after I had beheld that world of
+water&mdash;I have a faint recollection of thinking of Fida&mdash;of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg&nbsp;46]</a></span> poor Nip&mdash;of
+the drowning puppies I had tried in vain, to save&mdash;of my passing through
+the streets of Caneville with my meat-barrow, and wondering how I could
+have been so foolish as to feel ashamed of doing so&mdash;and then&mdash;and
+then&mdash;I remember nothing more.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PAINS_AND_PLEASURES" id="PAINS_AND_PLEASURES"></a>PAINS AND PLEASURES.</h2>
+
+
+<p>When I again opened my eyes after the deep sleep which had fallen upon
+me, morning was just breaking, and a grey light was in the sky and on the
+clouds which dotted it all over.</p>
+
+<p>As I looked round, you may well think, with hope and anxiety, still
+nothing met my view but the great world of water, broken up into a
+multitude of little hills. I now understood that I was on the sea, where
+I had been borne by the rushing river; that sea of which I had often
+read, but which I could form no idea about till this moment.</p>
+
+<p>The sad thought struck me that I must stop there, tossed about by the
+wind and beaten by the waves, until I should die of hunger, or that,
+spent with fatigue, my limbs would refuse to sustain me longer, and I
+should be devoured by some of the monsters of the deep, who are always on
+the watch for prey.</p>
+
+<p>Such reflections did not help to make my position more comfortable, and
+it was painful enough in itself without them. It was certain, however,
+that complaint or sorrow could be of no service, and might be just the
+contrary, as the indulging in either would, probably, prevent my doing
+what was necessary to try and save myself should an opportunity offer.</p>
+
+<p>The grey light, in the meantime, had become warmer and warmer in its
+tone, until the face of every cloud towards the east was tinged with
+gold. While I was admiring the beautiful sight, for it was so beautiful
+that it made me forget for a time my sad position, my eyes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg&nbsp;47]</a></span> were caught
+by the shining arch of the rising sun, as it sprang all of a sudden above
+the surface of the sea. Oh! never shall I forget the view! Between me and
+the brilliant orb lay a pathway of gold, which rose, and fell, and
+glittered, and got at last so broad and dazzling, that my eyes could look
+at it no longer. I knew it was but the sun's light upon the water, but it
+looked so firm, that I could almost fancy I should be able to spring upon
+it, and run on and on until I reached some friendly country. But alas!
+there seemed little chance of such a thing happening as my ever reaching
+land again.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun got high up, and poured his rays on to the sea, I began to
+feel a craving for food, and, though surrounded with water, yet the want
+of some to drink. When the thirst came upon me, I at first lapped up a
+few drops of the sea-water with avidity, but I soon found that it was not
+fit to drink, and that the little I had taken only made my thirst the
+greater. In the midst of my suffering, a poor bird came fluttering
+heavily along, as if his wings were scarce able to support his weight.
+Every little object was interesting to me just then, and as I sat upon my
+piece of timber I looked up at the trembling creature, and began
+comparing his fate with my own. "Ah, Job," I said, half-aloud, "you
+thought, perhaps, that you were the only unhappy being in the world. Look
+at that poor fowl; there he is, far away from land, from his home, from
+his friends, perhaps his little ones (for many birds have large
+families), with tired wings, and not a piece of ground as broad as his
+own tail for him to rest upon. He must go on, fatigued though he may be,
+for if he fall, nothing can prevent his death; the water will pour among
+his feathers, clog his wings, and not only prevent him ever rising more
+into the air, but pull him down until his life is gone. So, Job, badly
+off as you are just now, there is another, as you see, whose fate is
+worse; and who shall say that in other places, where your eye cannot
+reach, there are not others yet so very, very miserable, that they would
+willingly, oh! how willingly! change places with you, or with that poor
+fluttering bird?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg&nbsp;48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This talk with myself quieted me for a time, and I felt a certain joy
+when I saw the bird slowly descend, and having spied my uncomfortable
+boat, perch heavily on the other end of it. He did not do so until he had
+looked at me with evident alarm; and, worn out as he was, and his heart
+beating as though it would burst through his yellow coat, he still kept
+his eyes fixed upon me, ready to take wing and resume his journey,
+wherever he might be going, at the least motion I should make.</p>
+
+<p>Some time passed over in this way; myself in the middle, and Dicky at the
+end of the beam. We did not say a word to each other; for, as I spoke no
+other language but my own, and he seemed about as clever as myself, we
+merely talked with our eyes.</p>
+
+<p>A thought now came into my head. My thirst returned, and I felt very
+hungry. What if I should suddenly dart on little Dicky, and make a meal
+of him? I did not consider at the instant that, by so doing, I should be
+acting a very base part, for Dicky had placed confidence in me; and
+killing him for trusting to my honour, and eating him because he was poor
+and unfortunate, would be neither a good return nor a kind action.
+Luckily for Dicky, and even for myself, although he was not able to speak
+foreign languages, he could read my meaning in my eyes; for when I turned
+them slowly towards him, just to see my distance, he took alarm, and rose
+into the air with a swiftness which I envied. I am sorry to say my only
+thought at first was the having lost my dinner: but as I watched him
+through the air, flying on and on, until he diminished to a misty speck,
+and then disappeared, my better feelings came back to me and said, "Oh,
+Job! I would not have believed this of you!" "But," replied my empty
+stomach, "I am so hungry; without food, I shall fall in, and Job will
+die." "Let Job die," said my better self again, in a cold, firm tone;
+"let Job rather die, than do what he would live to feel ashamed of."</p>
+
+<p>As the day wore on, I began to think that death only could relieve me;
+and the thought was very, very painful. Nothing before and around but the
+salt waves&mdash;nothing above but the blue sky and hot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg&nbsp;49]</a></span> sun&mdash;not even a cloud
+on which to rest my aching eyes. The want of water which I could drink
+was now becoming terrible. When I thought of it, my head began to turn;
+my brain seemed to be on fire; and the public basins of Caneville, where
+only the lowest curs used to quench their thirst, danced before me to add
+to my torture; for I thought, though I despised them once, how I could
+give treasures of gold for one good draught at the worst of them just
+then.</p>
+
+<p>There is not a misfortune happens to us from which we may not derive good
+if our hearts are not quite hardened, and our minds not totally
+impenetrable. Great as my sufferings were during this incident of my
+life, I learnt from it much that has been useful to me in after years.
+But even if it had taught me no other truth than that we should despise
+nothing which is good and wholesome, merely because it is ordinary, I
+should not have passed through those sad hours in vain. We dogs are so
+apt, when in prosperity, to pamper our appetites, and, commonly speaking,
+to turn up our noses at simple food, that we require, from time to time,
+to be reminded on how little canine life can be preserved. All have not
+had the advantage of the lesson which I was blessed with; for it <i>was</i> a
+blessing; one that has so impressed itself on my memory, that sometimes
+when I fancy I cannot eat anything that is put before me, because it is
+too much done, or not done enough, or has some other real or supposed
+defect, I say to myself, "Job, Job, what would you have given for a tiny
+bit of the worst part of it when you were at sea?" And then I take it at
+once, and find it excellent.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun got lower, clouds, the same in shape that had welcomed him in
+the morning, rose up from the sea as if to show their pleasure at his
+return. He sunk into the midst of them and disappeared; and then the
+clouds came up and covered all the sky. I suffered less in the cool
+evening air, and found with pleasure that it was growing into a breeze.
+My pleasure soon got greater still, for, with the wind, I felt some drops
+of rain! The first fell upon my burning nose; but the idea of fresh water
+was such a piece of good fortune,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg&nbsp;50]</a></span> that I dared not give loose to my joy
+until the drops began to fall thickly on and around me, and there was a
+heavy shower. I could scarcely give my rough coat time to get thoroughly
+wet before I began sucking at it. It was not nice at first, being mixed
+with the salt spray by which I had been so often covered; but as the rain
+still came down, the taste was fresher every moment, and soon got most
+delicious. I seemed to recover strength as I licked my dripping breast
+and shoulders; and though evening changed to dark night, and the rain was
+followed by a strong wind, which got more and more fierce, and appeared
+to drive me and my friendly log over the waves as if we had been bits of
+straw, I felt no fear, but clung to the timber, and actually gave way to
+hope.</p>
+
+<p>I must have slept again, for daylight was once more in the sky when I
+unclosed my eyes. Where was I now? My sight was dim, and though I could
+see there was no longer darkness, I could make out nothing else. Was I
+still on the rolling water? Surely not; for I felt no motion. I passed my
+paw quickly across my eyes to brush away the mist which covered them. I
+roused myself. The beam of wood was still beneath me, but my legs surely
+touched the ground! My sight came back to me, and showed me, true, the
+sea stretching on, on, on, in the distance, but showed me also that
+<i>I</i>&mdash;oh, joy!&mdash;<i>I</i> had reached the shore!</p>
+
+<p>When my mind was able to believe the truth, I sprang on to the solid land
+with a cry which rings in my ears even now. What though my weakness was
+so great that I tumbled over on to the beach and filled my mouth with
+sand? I could have licked every blade of grass, every stone, in my
+ecstacy; and when forced to lie down from inability to stand upon my
+legs, I drove my paws into the earth, and held up portions to my face, to
+convince myself that I was indeed on shore. I did not trouble myself much
+with questions as to how I got there. I did not puzzle my brain to
+inquire whether the wind which had risen the evening before, and which I
+felt driving me on so freely, had at length chased me to the land. All I
+seemed to value was the fact that I was indeed <i>there</i>; and all I could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg&nbsp;51]</a></span>
+persuade myself to say or think was the single, blessed word, <span class="smcap">saved</span>!</p>
+
+<p>I must have lain some time upon the sand before I tried again to move,
+for when I scrambled on to my legs the sun was high and hot&mdash;so hot, that
+it had completely dried my coat, and made me wish for shelter. Dragging
+myself with some trouble to a mound of earth, green and sparkling with
+grass and flowers, I managed to get on top of it; and when I had
+recovered from the effort, for I was very weak, looked about me with
+curiosity to observe the place where I had been thrown.</p>
+
+<p>The ground was level close to where I stood, but at a little distance it
+rose into gentle grassy hills, with short bushes here and there; and just
+peeping over them, were the tops of trees still farther off, with
+mountains beyond, of curious forms and rich blue colour.</p>
+
+<p>While considering this prospect, I suddenly observed an animal on one of
+the hills coming towards me, and I lay down at full length on the grass
+to examine who he might be. As he drew nearer, I was surprised at his
+form and look (I afterwards learnt that he was called an ape), and
+thought I had never beheld so queer a being. He had a stick in his right
+hand, and a bundle in his left, and kept his eyes fixed on the ground as
+he walked along.</p>
+
+<p>When he was quite close, I rose again, to ask him where I could procure
+food and water, of which I felt great want. The motion startled him; and
+stepping back, he took his stick in both hands as if to protect himself.
+The next moment he put it down, and coming up to me, to my surprise
+addressed me in my own language, by inquiring how I came there. My
+astonishment was so great at first that I could not reply; and when I did
+speak, it was to ask him how it happened that he used my language. To
+this he answered, that he had been a great traveller in his day, and
+among other places had visited my city, where he had studied and been
+treated kindly for a long time; that he loved dogs, and should be only
+too happy now to return some of the favours he had received. This speech
+opened my heart; but before he would let me say more, he untied his
+bundle,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg&nbsp;52]</a></span> and spread what it contained before me. As there were several
+savoury morsels, you may believe I devoured them with great
+appetite&mdash;indeed, I hope Master Ximio's opinion of me was not formed from
+the greediness with which I ate up his provisions.</p>
+
+<p>After I had refreshed myself at a spring of water, we sat down, and I
+told him my story. He heard me patiently to the end, when, after a pause,
+he exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Job, come with me. A few days' rest will restore your strength,
+and you can return to your own city. It is not a long journey over land;
+and with stout limbs like those, you will soon be able to get back and
+lick old Nip again."</p>
+
+<p>I need not dwell upon this part of my story, although I could fill many
+pages with the narration of Master Ximio's dwelling, and above all of his
+kindness; he kept me two or three days at his house, and would have
+detained me much longer, but, besides that I was anxious to return to
+Nip, I felt certain pains in my limbs, which made me wish to get back to
+Caneville, as I did not like the idea of troubling my good friend with
+the care of a sick dog. He was so kind-hearted, however, and showed me
+such attention, that I was afraid to say anything about my aches, lest he
+should insist on keeping me. He seemed to think it was quite natural I
+should desire to get home; and when he saw my impatience to depart, he
+assisted to get me ready.</p>
+
+<p>Having supplied me with everything I could want on my journey, and
+pressed upon me many gifts besides, he led me by a little path through
+the wood, until we came to the sea. "Along this shore," he said, "your
+road lies. Follow the winding of the coast until you reach the mouth of a
+broad river, the waters of which empty themselves into the sea. That
+river is the same which runs through your city. Keep along its banks and
+you will shortly arrive at Caneville, where I hope you may find
+everything you wish&mdash;for I am sure you wish nothing that is unreasonable.
+If pleasure awaits you there, do not, in the midst of it, forget Ximio.
+If, against my hopes, you should find yourself unhappy, remember there is
+a home<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg&nbsp;53]</a></span> always open to you here, and a friend who will do his best to
+make you forget sorrow. Farewell!"</p>
+
+<p>I was greatly moved at his words and the memory of his kindness. We
+licked each other tenderly&mdash;murmured something, which meant a good deal
+more than it expressed&mdash;and then we parted. I turned my head often as I
+went, and each time beheld Ximio waving his hand in the air; at last a
+dip in the ground hid him from my sight, and I continued my journey
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>It was fortunate I had been well furnished with provisions by my good
+friend, for as I proceeded, I found the pains in my limbs so great that I
+could scarce drag one leg after the other, and should probably have died
+of hunger, as I had no strength left to procure food, and did not meet
+with any more Ximios to assist me had I stood in need. With long rests,
+from which I rose each time with greater difficulty,&mdash;with increasing
+anxiety as I drew near my home, to learn all that had taken place during
+my absence,&mdash;and yet with legs which almost refused to carry me; after
+many days that seemed to have grown into months,&mdash;they were so full of
+care and suffering,&mdash;I toiled up a hill, which had, I thought, the power
+of getting steeper as I ascended. At length I reached the top, and to my
+joy discovered the well-known city of Caneville, lying in the plain
+beneath me. The sight gave me strength again. I at once resumed my
+journey, and trotted down the hill at a pace which surprised myself. As I
+got warm with my exertions, the stiffness seemed by degrees to leave my
+limbs; I ran, I bounded along, over grass and stone through broad patches
+of mud which showed too plainly to what height the river had lately
+risen, out of breath, yet with a spirit that would not let me flag, I
+still flew on, nor slackened my speed until I had got to the first few
+houses of the town. There I stopped indeed, and fell; for it then seemed
+as if my bones were all breaking asunder. My eyes grew dim; strange
+noises sounded in my ears; and though I fancied I could distinguish
+voices which I knew, I could neither see nor speak; I thought it was my
+dying hour.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg&nbsp;54]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>From the mouths of Nip and others I learnt all which then occurred, and
+all that had passed after my supposed loss on the night of the
+inundation. How my noble conduct (for so they were kind enough to call
+it, though I only tried to do my duty, and failed) had been made known to
+the great dogs of Caneville, and how they had sought after me to thank me
+for it;&mdash;how they had offered rewards to those who assisted in my
+recovery;&mdash;how, when it was supposed that I was dead, they took Nip from
+our modest home, and placed him in this present house, fitted with
+everything that could make him comfortable for life;&mdash;how, when all hope
+was gone, my unexpected appearance brought a crowd about me, each one
+anxious to assist me in my distress, though some maliciously said, in
+order to lay claim to the reward;&mdash;and how I was finally brought again to
+my senses through the care of our clever canine doctors, and the kind
+nursing of dear old Nip.</p>
+
+<p>It was long, however, before I recovered my legs sufficiently to be able
+to use them without support. My long exposure at sea, the want of food,
+and the trouble I had gone through, during my involuntary voyage, had all
+assisted to weaken me. But my anxiety to enjoy the fresh air again, took
+me out into the streets directly it was thought safe for me to do so, and
+with a pair of crutches beneath my arms, I managed to creep about.</p>
+
+<p>Never shall I forget the first time this pleasure was allowed me. The
+morning was so fresh and bright; the sun shone so gaily upon the houses;
+the river, now reduced to its usual size, ran so cheerily along, that I
+got into my old habit, and began to think they were all talking to me and
+bidding me welcome after my long illness. Kind words were soon said to me
+in right earnest, for before I had got half-way down the street, with old
+Nip just behind me,&mdash;his hat still adorned with the band which he had
+unwillingly put on when he thought me dead and gone, and which he had
+forgotten to take off again,&mdash;the puppies ran from different quarters to
+look up in my face and say, "How do you do, Job? I hope you are better,
+Job." Many a polite dog took off his hat to bid me good morrow; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg&nbsp;55]</a></span>
+praises more than I deserved, but which I heard with pleasure, came
+softly to my ear, as I hobbled slowly along. Nip told me afterwards, that
+there had been another in the crowd who kept a little back, and who,
+though she said nothing, seemed to be more glad to see me than all the
+rest. I had not seen her, nor did he mention her name, but that was not
+necessary. My heart seemed to tell me that it could only have been Fida.</p>
+<p><a name="A_WORTHY_SUBJECT" id="A_WORTHY_SUBJECT"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 387px;">
+<img src="images/069.png" width="393" height="500" alt="A WORTHY SUBJECT" title="" />
+<span class="caption">A WORTHY SUBJECT</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="DUTY" id="DUTY"></a>DUTY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The idle life which I was compelled to spend gave me time for reflection,
+and I believe my mind was more active during the few months my body was
+on crutches than it had been for years previous. My thoughts received
+little interruption from Nip, who, after having recounted the events
+which had taken place during my absence, had little more to say. The
+kindness of the great city dogs having removed all fear of want, or even
+the necessity of labour, from our comfortable home, produced at first a
+pleasing effect upon me; but as my strength returned, and I managed to
+walk about the room without assistance, a desire for active employment
+became quite necessary to my happiness.</p>
+
+<p>"What have I done, Nip?" I would often say, as I took my usual exercise
+in our modest parlour; "what have I done, Nip, that I should be clothed,
+and fed, and housed, without labouring for such advantages, like the rest
+of dog-kind? These paws, large and strong as they are, were never
+intended for idleness; this back, broad as it is, was meant for some
+other purpose than to show off a fine coat; this brain, which can reflect
+and admire and resolve, had not such capabilities given to it in order
+that they might be wasted in a life of ease. Work, Nip, work; such work
+as a dog <i>can</i> do should be sought after and done, for nothing can be
+more shocking than to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg&nbsp;56]</a></span> see an animal's powers, either of body or mind,
+wasted away in idleness."</p>
+
+<p>Nip replied but little, although he winked his eyes very vigorously. I
+was used to his manner now, and could understand his meaning without the
+necessity of words. Both his looks and gestures told me that he thought
+as I did, and I only waited till I could use my own legs freely, to set
+about a resolution I had been forming in my mind.</p>
+
+<p>It was a happy day when I could again mix in the bustle of the streets,
+and find my strength once more restored. The first use I made of it was
+to go to the great house where the chief dogs of Caneville are accustomed
+to sit during a certain time of the day to judge matters relating to the
+city. When I arrived, they were almost alone, and I was therefore able to
+present myself without delay, and explain my business.</p>
+
+<p>I began by thanking them for what they had done for me and my old friend
+Nip, in providing us with a house and with so many comforts. I told them,
+although the goodness of Nip rendered him worthy of every attention, as
+he had grown old in a useful and laborious life, I had no such claims. I
+was still young&mdash;my strength had come back to me&mdash;I had no right to eat
+the food of idleness where so many dogs, more deserving than I, were
+often in want of a bone, but whose modesty prevented them making known
+their necessities. I would still thankfully enjoy the home, which the
+kindness of the great animals of Caneville had furnished me, but they
+must permit me to work for it&mdash;they must permit me to do something which
+might be useful to the city in return, for I should devour the fare
+provided for me with a great deal more appetite, if I could say to myself
+when I felt hungry, "Job, brother Job, eat your dinner, for you have
+<i>earned</i> it."</p>
+
+<p>The assembly of dogs heard me with great attention to the end; not a bark
+interrupted my little speech, not a movement disturbed my attention. I
+was pleased to see that tails wagged with approbation when I had
+concluded, and was charmed to hear the chief<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg&nbsp;57]</a></span> among them, who was white
+with age, express himself <i>delighted</i>, yes, that was the word, delighted
+with my spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"We are pleased, Job," he said, at the end of his reply, "we are pleased
+to observe that there are yet <i>true dogs</i> in Caneville; there have been
+animals calling themselves so, whose character was so base, and whose
+manner was so cringing, that they have brought disrepute upon the name;
+and we are sorry to say that in many countries the title of a <i>dog</i> is
+given to the vilest and most worthless creatures. All the finer qualities
+of our race have been lost sight of, because a few among us have been
+mean or wicked; and a whole nation has been pointed at with scorn,
+because some of its members have acted badly. We are happy, Job, to find
+in you a 'worthy subject,' and we shall be glad to give you all
+assistance in choosing an occupation in which you may employ your time,
+and be of use to your fellow-creatures."</p>
+
+<p>I should not have repeated this to you, as it is not, perhaps, necessary
+for my story, but that I wished to correct an error, which many have
+made, concerning the character of this very dog. He has been described by
+several as cold, and proud, and sometimes cruel; and yet to me he was
+warm, and friendly, and most kind. Do not you think when we hear animals
+grumbling against their fellows, it would be just as well to think who
+the grumblers are, before we form our opinions? or, at least, hear the
+opinions of many before we decide ourselves?</p>
+
+<p>I need not tell you all that passed between us, and what was said by this
+dog and by that, about the choice of my occupation. It was agreed at last
+that I should be appointed chief of the Caneville police, as the place
+had become vacant through the death of a fine old mastiff some days
+previous. I wonder whether he was a relation of my own, for I have
+already told you my mother belonged to that great family. He had received
+some severe wounds when trying to capture a fierce beast of the name of
+Lupo, the terror of the city, and he had died from the effects of them in
+spite of all the care of the doctors. What made the matter worse, was the
+fact that Lupo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg&nbsp;58]</a></span> was yet at liberty, and many dogs were afraid to go out
+at night for fear of meeting with this terrible animal.</p>
+
+<p>To tell the truth, I was rather pleased than otherwise that Lupo had
+still to be taken. It was agreeable to me to think that work, difficult
+work, was to be done, and that <i>I</i> was called upon to do it. I felt proud
+at the idea that the animals of the great city of Caneville would look up
+to me, <i>to me</i>, poor Job, as the dog chosen to releive them of their
+fears, and restore security to their streets. "Job," I cried out to
+myself, in a firm tone, "Job, here is a chance of being useful to your
+country; let no danger, no fear, even of death, stop you in the good
+work. Job, you are called upon to perform a duty, and let nothing, mind
+<i>nothing</i>, turn you from it."</p>
+
+<p>After I had become acquainted with all the dogs who were under my
+command, I spent much time each day in exercising them, and in
+endeavouring by kind words, and by my own example, to make them attend
+strictly to their work. I was pleased to observe that I succeeded. Some,
+who were pointed out to me as difficult to manage, became my most
+faithful followers, and I had not been two months in my employment before
+all were so devoted to me, that I believe they would have died to serve
+me.</p>
+
+<p>In all this time, nothing had been heard of the terrible Lupo, and all my
+inquiries procured no information concerning where he was to be found. I
+learned that he was not a native of Caneville, although his father once
+belonged to the city. He was born in a country beyond the great wood, and
+his mother came from a fierce tribe of wolves, who, although they a
+little resemble dogs in appearance, and speak a very similar language,
+are much more ferocious, and seem to look upon the whole canine family as
+natural enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The opinion began to spread in Caneville that Lupo had at length left the
+city, and the inhabitants, by degrees, recovered their usual quiet; when,
+suddenly, the alarm spread more widely than before; as, two nights in
+succession, some rich dogs were robbed and ill-treated, and one of them
+was lamed by the ferocity of the chief of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg&nbsp;59]</a></span> the terrible band who had
+attacked them, and whose description convinced me it was Lupo.</p>
+
+<p>These accounts caused me much pain, as I had neither been able to prevent
+the attacks, nor discover the animals who had made them. In my desire to
+find out and capture the robbers, I could scarcely take food or rest. I
+managed to sleep a little in the day-time, and at night, dressed in the
+simplest manner, so as to excite no attention, I wandered quietly from
+street to street, stopping to listen to the slightest noise, and going in
+any direction that I heard a murmur. One or two of my dogs generally
+followed at a distance, ready to assist me if I called for help.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fine night. The moon and stars were brilliant in the sky, and
+made the blue all the deeper from their own bright rays. I had been
+already two hours crawling through the lower parts of the city, and was
+mounting the hill which led to a fine building where my steps often
+carried me&mdash;sometimes without my intending it&mdash;in order to watch over the
+safety of those who slept within. It was the house of Fida&mdash;that Fida who
+had been to me so kind, so tender; that Fida, who so patiently softened
+down my rudeness, and had tried to teach me to know what was good by
+letting me become her friend.</p>
+
+<p>I had nearly reached the top of the hill, and paused an instant to
+observe the bright light and dark shadows which the house displayed, as
+the moon fell upon it, or some portion of the building interposed.
+Profound sleep had fallen upon the city. The river might be seen from the
+spot where I was standing, running swiftly along; and so deep was the
+silence that you could even hear the gush of the water as it fretted
+round some large stones in the centre of the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there rose into the air from the ground above me, the sharp,
+clear howl of a female voice, and at the same instant the sound of a
+rattle broke upon my ear as a signal of alarm. I sprang up the few feet
+which were between me and the house with the speed of lightning, and
+turning rapidly the corner of the building,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg&nbsp;60]</a></span> reached the principal
+entrance. One look told me everything: at an upper window, in a loose
+dress, was Fida herself, springing the rattle which she held in her paw,
+with a strength that fear alone could have given her; and below, where I
+myself stood, were four or five dogs differently engaged, but evidently
+trying to get into the house.</p>
+
+<p>A kick from my right leg sent one of them to the ground, and, with my
+clenched paw, I struck a blow at the second. Never do I remember feeling
+such strength within me, such a resolution to attack twenty dogs if it
+were necessary, although the next minute I might be torn in pieces. I
+have sometimes asked myself whether the presence of Fida had anything to
+do with it, or if a sense of duty only inspired me. I have never been
+able to reply to the question in a satisfactory manner. I only know that
+the fact was as I say, and that the blow I gave was surprising even to
+myself; my paw caught the animal precisely under his chin, and sent him
+flying backwards, with his nose in the air and his hat behind him; and as
+the moon shone brilliantly upon his upturned face, I recognised the
+features described to me as those of Lupo. He lay so still upon the
+ground that I thought he must be killed; so, leaving him for a moment, I
+pursued some others who were running off in the distance, but did not
+succeed in catching them. I said a few cheering words to Fida at the
+window, and returned to the spot of my encounter with Lupo; but instead
+of that terrible beast, found some of my own followers, the father of
+Fida, and one or two servants, who had been roused by the tumult, and had
+come out to learn the cause. Lupo was nowhere to be seen. He had either
+partly recovered from the blow, and had managed to crawl away, or had
+been dragged off by some of his troop.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could have been more fortunate to me than this night's adventure.
+The father of Fida, who had seen the attack from his window, was the head
+of one of the best families of dogs in Caneville, and being, besides,
+very rich, he enjoyed great power. He was so pleased with what I had
+done, that he not only took a great liking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg&nbsp;61]</a></span> to me himself, but he spoke
+of my conduct in the highest terms to the great assembly. I received
+public thanks; I was admitted to the honour which I now hold, that of
+forming one of the second assembly of the city; I was loaded with rich
+presents, and equally rich praise; and I may also date from that night,
+the obtaining the richest gift of all, the gift which has made the
+happiness of my best years; I mean the possession of my wife, the
+beautiful Fida.</p>
+<p><a name="A_SEVERE_BLOW" id="A_SEVERE_BLOW"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 388px;">
+<img src="images/077.png" width="389" height="500" alt="A SEVERE BLOW" title="" />
+<span class="caption">A SEVERE BLOW</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>It is true that I did not procure that felicity at once. There were many
+difficulties to be got over before the noble spaniel would think of
+allowing his daughter to become the wife of plain Mr. Job. His son, also,
+of whom I have spoken previously, could not bear, at first, the idea of
+his sister not marrying some one as noble as herself, and thought, very
+naturally, that she was far too good to have her fortunes united with
+mine. Fida herself, however, was so firm, and yet so tender; so
+straightforward, and yet so modest, that she finally broke down all
+opposition. She persuaded her father that no title could be more noble
+than the one I had acquired, that of "Honest Job;" she won over her
+brother, by slily asking him, which among his grand companions could have
+met a whole band of fierce dogs, with Lupo at their head, and,
+single-pawed, could have conquered them all? By degrees, every objection
+was cleared away, and Fida became mine.</p>
+
+<p>The chief interest of my life terminates here; for although, in my
+position as head of the police, I had many other adventures, they were
+too much alike, and of too common an order, to be worth relating. Before
+I close, however, I must mention a circumstance which occurred shortly
+after my battle with the robbers, as it is curious in itself, and refers
+to an animal of whom I have before spoken.</p>
+
+<p>I was quietly walking along a bye-street of Caneville, when a miserable,
+thin, little puppy came behind me, and gently pulled my coat. On turning
+round to ask him what he wanted, he begged me in the most imploring tone
+to come and see his father, who was very ill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg&nbsp;62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And who is your father, little pup?" I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"His name is Lupo," said the thin dog, in a trembling voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Lupo!" I cried out in surprise. "But do you not know who I am, and that
+I am forced to be your father's greatest enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know, I know," the pup replied; "but father told me to come and seek
+<i>you</i>, for that you were good, and would not harm him, if you knew he was
+so miserable." And here the little dog began howling in a way which moved
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," I said, after a moment; "go on; I will follow you."</p>
+
+<p>As the little dog ran before, through some of the low and miserable parts
+of the city, the idea once came into my head that perhaps this was a
+scheme of Lupo's to get me into his power. But the puppy's grief had been
+too real to allow me to believe, young as he was, that he could be acting
+a part; so with a stout resolution I went forward.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived at a low and dirty kennel, where only the greatest misery
+could bear to live. We passed through a hole, for so it appeared, rather
+than a doorway, and I found myself in a little room, lit by a break in
+the wall. On the single poor bed lay a wretched object, gasping for
+breath, while a ragged pup, somewhat older than my little guide, had
+buried his face in the clothes at the bottom of the bed. Three other tiny
+creatures, worn to the bone with poverty and want of food, came crowding
+round me, in a way that was piteous to behold; and with their looks, not
+words, for they said nothing, asked me to do something for their
+miserable parent. I procured from a neighbouring tavern a bason of broth
+with which I succeeded in reviving the once terrible Lupo; but it was
+only a flash before life departed for ever. In broken words, he
+recommended to my care the poor little objects round. Bad as he was, he
+still had feeling for them, and it was easy to observe that at this sad
+moment his thoughts were more of <i>them</i> than of himself; for when I
+promised to protect them, he pressed my paw with his remaining strength
+to his hot lips, moaned faintly, and expired.</p>
+<p><a name="CONSOLATION" id="CONSOLATION"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 398px;">
+<img src="images/081.png" width="399" height="500" alt="CONSOLATION" title="" />
+<span class="caption">CONSOLATION</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg&nbsp;63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My tale is over. Would that it had been more entertaining, more
+instructive. But the incidents of my career have been few, and my path,
+with the one or two exceptions I have described, has been a smooth one. I
+have heard it said that no history of a life, however simple, is without
+its lesson. If it be so, then perhaps some good may be derived from mine.
+If it teach the way to avoid an error, or correct a fault; if any portion
+of it win a smile from a sad heart, or awake a train of serious thought
+in a gay one, my dog's tale will not have been unfolded in vain.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>THE END.</p>
+<div class='padding'>
+<p class='center'>London; Thomas Harrild, Printer, 13, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='padding'>
+<div class='bbox'>
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><h2>NEW JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.</h2></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><big>ROUTLEDGE'S NEW TWO-SHILLING PRESENT OR GIFT-BOOKS,</big></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><p class='center'><i>In Fcap. 8vo, cloth gilt, with Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gilbert</span>, <span class="smcap">Warren</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Corbould</span>, &amp;c.; or with gilt edges, price Two Shillings and Sixpence.</i></p></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><big>LIST OF THE SERIES, VIZ.:</big></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>1.</td><td align='left'>TALES FOR MY CHILDREN.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Guizot.</span></td><td align='left'>16.</td><td align='left'>ROBINSON THE YOUNGER.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Hick.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>2.</td><td align='left'>TEN MORAL TALES.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Guizot.</span></td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>18.</td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>AMY CARLTON; <span class="smcap">or, First Days at School.</span></td><td align='right' rowspan='2'><span class="smcap">Anon.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>3.</td><td align='left'>JUVENILE TALES &amp; STORIES.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>4.</td><td align='left'>CONQUEST &amp; SELF-CONQUEST.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td><td align='left'>19.</td><td align='left'>LAURA AND ELLEN.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Allen.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' rowspan='2'>5.</td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>EVENING AT DONALDSON MANOR.</td><td align='right' rowspan='2'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td><td align='left'>20.</td><td align='left'>ROBINSON CRUSOE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Defoe.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>23.</td><td align='left'>LAURA TEMPLE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Bowman.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>6.</td><td align='left'>PRAISE AND PRINCIPLE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td><td align='left'>24.</td><td align='left'>LITTLE FOUNDLING.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Mrs. Myrtle.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>7.</td><td align='left'>GRACE AND ISABEL.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td><td align='left'>25.</td><td align='left'>SPIRIT OF THE HOLLY.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Mrs. Owen.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>8.</td><td align='left'>CHARMS &amp; COUNTER-CHARMS.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>26.</td><td align='left' rowspan='2'>POETRY OF THE BEST AUTHORS.</td><td align='right' rowspan='2'><span class="smcap">Bowman.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>9.</td><td align='left'>GERTRUDE AND EULALIE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Hulse.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>10.</td><td align='left'>ROBERT AND HAROLD.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Anon.</span></td><td align='left'>27.</td><td align='left'>HARRY AND HIS HOMES.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Anon.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>11.</td><td align='left'>STORY OF AN APPLE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Campbell.</span></td><td align='left'>28.</td><td align='left'>VIOLET.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>12.</td><td align='left'>CABIN BY THE WAYSIDE.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Campbell.</span></td><td align='left'>29.</td><td align='left'>THE LAMPLIGHTER.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Cummins.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>13.</td><td align='left'>MEMOIRS OF A DOLL.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Besset.</span></td><td align='left'>30.</td><td align='left'>THE LOFTY AND LOWLY.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">M'Intosh.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>14.</td><td align='left'>THE BLACK PRINCESS.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Besset.</span></td><td align='left'>31.</td><td align='left'>OUR NATIVE LAND.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">Wilson.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>15.</td><td align='left'>EMIGRANT'S LOST SON.</td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">G.&nbsp;H.&nbsp;Wall.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><br /><big>ROUTLEDGE'S TWO-AND-SIXPENNY REWARD OR GIFT-BOOKS.</big></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='8'><i>Or, with gilt edges, price Three Shillings. Fcap. 8vo. Illustrated by
+the best artists. Cloth extra, and gilt.</i></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>1. ARBELL. By <span class="smcap">Jane W. Hooper</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Godwin</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>2. EDA MORTON AND HER COUSINS. By <span class="smcap">M. Bell</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Birket Foster</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>3. ALLEN'S LIFE OF NELSON. With Steel Portrait.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>4. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF WELLINGTON. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">John Gilbert</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>5. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF MARLBOROUGH. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">John Gilbert</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>6. OSLER'S LIFE OF LORD EXMOUTH. With Steel Portrait and Maps.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>7. GILBERT THE ADVENTURER. By <span class="smcap">Peter Parley</span>. With Engravings.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>8. <span class="smcap">KALOOLAH: or, African Adventures.</span> With Coloured Plates.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='4'><br /><big>ROUTLEDGE'S EIGHTEENPENNY JUVENILES.</big></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='4'><i>Square 16mo, cloth gilt. Illustrated by John Gilbert, Absolon, Foster,
+etc.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>1. Peasant and the Prince, by Harriet Martineau.</td><td align='left' colspan='2'>6. Little Drummer, a Tale of the Russian War.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>2. Crofton Boys, by Harriet Martineau.</td><td align='left' colspan='2'>7. Frank, by Maria Edgeworth.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>3. Feats on the Fiord, by Harriet Martineau.</td><td align='left' colspan='2'>8. Rosamond, by Maria Edgeworth.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>4. Settlers at Home, by Harriet Martineau.</td><td align='left' colspan='2'>9. Harry and Lucy, Little Dog Trusty, The<br /> Cherry Orchard, etc. by Maria Edgeworth.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>5. Holiday Ramblers, or the School Vacation, by Elizabeth Grant.</td><td align='left' colspan='2'>10. A Hero, or Philip's Book, by the author of Olive.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p class='center'>LONDON: GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET.</p>
+</div></div>
+<p class='trnote'>
+Transcriber's notes:<br />
+<br />
+No changes to the original spelling were made.<br />
+<br />
+The following duplicated words were corrected.<br />
+Page <a href="#Page_16">16</a>: who who corrected to who.<br />
+Page <a href="#Page_44">44</a>: near near corrected to near.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good
+Dog Too, by Alfred Elwes
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too, by
+Alfred Elwes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too
+
+Author: Alfred Elwes
+
+Release Date: March 4, 2007 [EBook #20741]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF A DOG ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine D. and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+ADVENTURES OF A DOG,
+
+AND A GOOD DOG TOO
+
+BY ALFRED ELWES
+
+[Illustration: Cover]
+
+[Illustration: A FAMILY PARTY]
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+ADVENTURES OF A DOG,
+
+AND A GOOD DOG TOO.
+
+BY ALFRED ELWES,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF A BEAR," "OCEAN AND HER RULERS," ETC., ETC.
+
+WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY HARRISON WEIR.
+
+  LONDON:
+  GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET,
+  AND 18, BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK.
+
+1857.
+
+  LONDON:
+  THOMAS HARRILD, PRINTER, 11, SALISBURY SQUARE,
+  FLEET STREET.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                            PAGE
+  INTRODUCTION BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA         7
+  EARLY DAYS                                  12
+  CHANGES                                     18
+  UPS AND DOWNS                               25
+  THE INUNDATION                              37
+  PAINS AND PLEASURES                         46
+  DUTY                                        55
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                           PAGE
+  A FAMILY PARTY (FRONTISPIECE)               8
+  LADY BULL                                  17
+  GOOD DOG!                                  22
+  A CANINE BUTCHER                           36
+  AFLOAT                                     45
+  A WORTHY SUBJECT                           54
+  A SEVERE BLOW                              60
+  CONSOLATION                                62
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+I love dogs. Who does not? It is a natural feeling to love those who love
+us; and dogs were always fond of me. Thousands can say the same; and I
+shall therefore find plenty of sympathy while unfolding my dog's tale.
+
+This attachment of mine to the canine family in general, and their
+affection towards myself, have induced me, like the Vizier in the
+"Arabian Nights," of happy memory, to devote some time to the study of
+their language. Its idiom is not so difficult as many would suppose.
+There is a simplicity about it that often shames the dialects of man;
+which have been so altered and refined that we discover people often
+saying one thing when they mean exactly the reverse. Nothing of the sort
+is visible in the great canine tongue. Whether the tone in which it is
+uttered be gruff or polished, sharp or insinuating, it is at least
+sincere. Mankind would often be puzzled how to use it.
+
+Like many others, its meaning is assisted by gestures of the body, and,
+above all, by the expression of the eye. If ever language had its seat in
+that organ, as phrenologists pretend, it lies in the eye of the dog. Yet,
+a good portion finds its way to his tail. The motion of that eloquent
+member is full of meaning. There is the slow wag of anger; the gentle wag
+of contentment; the brisker wag of joy: and what can be more mutely
+expressive than the limp states of sorrow, humility, and fear?
+
+If the tongue of the dog present such distinctive traits, the qualities
+of the animal himself are not less striking. Although the dispositions of
+dogs are as various as their forms--although education, connections, the
+society they keep, have all their influence--to the credit of their name
+be it said, a dog never sullies his mouth with an untruth. His emotions
+of pleasure are genuine, never forced. His grief is not the semblance of
+woe, but comes from the heart. His devotion is unmixed with other
+feelings. It is single, unselfish, profound. Prosperity affects it not;
+adversity cannot make it swerve. Ingratitude, that saddest of human
+vices, is unknown to the dog. He does not forget past favours, but, when
+attached by benefits received, his love endures through life. But I shall
+have never done with reciting the praises of this noble animal; the
+subject is inexhaustible. My purpose now has narrower limits.
+
+From the archives of the city of Caneville, I lately drew the materials
+of a Bear's Biography. From the same source I now derive my "Adventures
+of a Dog." My task has been less that of a composer than a translator,
+for a feline editoress, a Miss Minette Gattina, had already performed her
+part. This latter animal appears, however, to have been so learned a
+cat--one may say so deep a puss--that she had furnished more notes than
+there was original matter. Another peculiarity which distinguished her
+labours was the obscurity of her style; I call it a peculiarity, and not
+a defect, because I am not quite certain whether the difficulty of
+getting at her meaning lay in her mode of expressing herself or my
+deficiency in the delicacies of her language. I think myself a tolerable
+linguist, yet have too great a respect for puss to say that any fault is
+attributable to her.
+
+The same feeling has, naturally, made me careful in rendering those
+portions which were exclusively her own. I have preferred letting her
+say little to allowing her to express anything she did not intend. Her
+notes, which, doubtless, drew many a purr of approval from her own
+breast, and many a wag of approbation from the tails of her choice
+acquaintance, I have preferred leaving out altogether; and I have so
+curtailed the labours of her paw, and the workings of her brain, as to
+condense into half-a-dozen pages her little volume of introduction. The
+autobiography itself, most luckily, required no alteration. It is the
+work of a simple mind, detailing the events of a simple but not
+uneventful life. Whether I have succeeded in conveying to my readers'
+intelligence the impression which this Dog's Adventures made on mine,
+they alone can decide.
+
+  A. E.
+
+  LYNDHURST ROAD,
+  PECKHAM.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+BY MISS MINETTE GATTINA.
+
+
+It may seem peculiar to any but an inhabitant of this renowned city of
+Caneville, that one of _our_ nation should venture on the task of
+bringing to the notice of the world the memoir I have undertaken to edit.
+But, besides that in this favoured place animals of all kinds learn to
+dwell in tolerable harmony together, the subject of this biography had so
+endeared himself to all classes and to every tribe by his kindness of
+heart, noble devotion, and other dog-like qualities, that there was not a
+cat, in spite of the supposed natural antipathy existing between the
+great feline and canine races, who would not have set up her back and
+fought to the last gasp in defence of this dear old fellow.
+
+Many a time has he saved me from the rough treatment of rude and
+ill-conducted curs, when I have been returning from a concert, or
+tripping quietly home after a pleasant chat with a friend. Often and
+often, when a kitten, has he carried me on his back through the streets,
+in order that I might not wet my velvet slippers on a rainy day: and
+once, ah! well do I remember it, he did me even greater service; for a
+wicked Tom of our race, who had often annoyed me with his attentions, had
+actually formed a plan of carrying me off to some foreign land, and would
+have succeeded too, if dear Doggy had not got scent of the affair, and
+pounced on that treacherous Tom just as he was on the point of executing
+his odious project.
+
+I can speak of these things _now_ without the slightest fear of being
+accused of vanity. If I say my eyes were beautifully round and green,
+they are so no longer. If I boast of the former lightness of my step, it
+drags, alas! but too heavily now. If I dwell on the sweetness of my voice
+and melody of my purr at one period, little can be said in their favour
+at the present day, and I feel therefore less scruple in dilating on the
+elegance of my figure, and the taste of my _toilette_, as, when speaking
+of them, I seem to be referring to another individual Puss, with whom the
+actual snuffy old Tabby has little or no connection.
+
+But, it will be said, these last matters have not much to do with the
+object I have in hand. I must not attempt to palm off on my readers any
+adventures of my own under the shadow of a dog. I must rather allow my
+Cat's-paw to perform the office for which it has become noted, namely,
+that of aiding in the recovery of what its owner is not intended to
+participate. I must endeavour to place before the world of Caneville, to
+be thence transmitted to the less civilized portions of the globe, those
+incidents in our Dog's life which he has been too modest to relate
+himself, in order that after-generations may fully appreciate all the
+goodness of his character. To _greatness_, he had no pretension, although
+few animals are aware how close is the relation between these two
+qualities.
+
+I think I see the dear old Dog now, as it has been often my privilege to
+behold him, seated in his large arm-chair, his hair quite silvered with
+age, shading his thoughtful, yet kindly face, his pipe in his paw, his
+faithful old friend by his side, and surrounded by a group of attentive
+listeners of both sexes, who seemed to hang upon every word of wisdom as
+it dropped from his mouth; all these spring to my mind when I recal his
+image, and if I were a painter I think I should have no difficulty in
+presenting to my readers this pleasant "family party." The very room in
+which these meetings were held comes as strongly to my recollection as
+the various young and old dogs who were wont to assemble there. Plainly
+furnished, it yet boasted some articles of luxury; works of statuary and
+painting, presented to old Job by those who admired his goodness, or had
+been the objects of his devotion.
+
+One of these, a statuette representing a fast little dog upon a tasteful
+pedestal, used often to excite my curiosity, the more because Job showed
+no inclination to gratify it. I managed, however, at last to get at the
+incident which made Job the possessor of this comical little figure, and
+as the circumstance worthily illustrates his character, I will relate it
+as the anecdote was told to me.
+
+It was once a fashion in Caneville, encouraged by puppies of the superior
+classes, to indulge in habits of so strange a nature as to meet on stated
+occasions for the express purpose of trying their skill and strength in
+set combats; and although the most frightful consequences often ensued,
+these assemblies were still held until put down by the sharp tooth of the
+law. The results which ensued were not merely dangerous to life, but
+created such a quarrelsome disposition, that many of these dogs were
+never happy but when fighting; and the force granted them by nature for
+self-defence was too often used most wantonly to the annoyance of their
+neighbours. It one day happened that Job was sitting quietly on a steep
+bank of the river where it runs into the wood at some distance from the
+city, at one moment watching the birds as they skimmed over the water, at
+another following the movements of a large fish, just distinguishable
+from the height, as it rose at the flies that dropped upon the stream;
+when three dogs, among the most celebrated fighters of the time, passed
+by that way. Two of them were of the common class, about the size and
+weight of Job; the other was a young puppy of good family, whose tastes
+had unfortunately led him into such low society. Seeing the mild
+expression of Job's face, and confident in their own prowess, they
+resolved to amuse themselves at his expense, and to this end drew near to
+him. Unobserved by their intended victim, with a rapid motion they
+endeavoured to push him head foremost into the river, Master Puppy having
+dexterously seized hold of his tail to make the somersault more complete.
+Job, although thus unexpectedly set upon from behind, was enabled, by the
+exertion of great strength, to defeat the object of his assailants. In
+the struggle which ensued, his adversaries discovered that, in spite of
+their boasted skill, they had more than found their match. One of them
+got rolled over into the stream, out of which he managed to crawl with
+considerable difficulty half a mile lower down; the second took to his
+heels, with his coat torn, and his person otherwise disordered; and the
+fashionable Pup, to his great horror, found himself seized in the
+formidable jaws of the unoffending but own angry dog. Imagine how much
+his terror was increased when Job, carrying him, as I would a mouse, to
+the edge of the precipitous bank, held him sheer over the roaring river.
+The poor fellow could not swim, he had a perfect antipathy to the water,
+and he felt himself at that moment on the point of being consigned to
+certain death without a chance of safety. But he did not know the noble
+heart of the animal he had offended. Job let him feel for a few dreadful
+seconds the danger to which he had been so thoughtlessly and in joke
+about to consign himself, and then placed him in safety on the bank, with
+the admonition to reflect for the future on the probable result of his
+diversions before he indulged in them, and to consider whether, although
+amusing to himself, such games might not be fatal to the animals on whom
+they were played off. The shivering puppy was too much alarmed at the
+time to attend either to the magnanimity of his antagonist or the wisdom
+of his advice, but they were evidently not lost upon him. Many can bear
+testimony to the change which that hour wrought in his character; and
+some weeks after the event, Job received that statue of his little
+adversary, which had so often struck me, executed by a native artist,
+with a long letter in verse, a beautiful specimen of doggrel; indeed,
+gifts both equally creditable to the sculptor and the writer, and most
+honourable to the animal in whose favour they had been executed.
+
+My task will scarce be thought complete without a few words concerning
+the personal appearance of my old friend; although, perhaps, few things
+could be more difficult for me to describe. Dogs and cats are apt to
+admire such very different forms of beauty, that the former often call
+beautiful what we think just the reverse. He was tall, strong, and rather
+stout, with a large bushy tail, which waved with every emotion of his
+mind, for he rarely disguised his feelings. His features were considered
+regular, though large, his eyes being particularly bright and full, and
+the upper part of his head was broad and high.
+
+But none who knew Job ever thought of his being handsome or otherwise.
+You seemed to love him for something more than you could see, something
+which had little to do with face, or body, or tail, and yet appeared in
+them all, and shone clearly out of his eyes; I mean the spirit of
+goodness, which made him so remarkable, and was so much a part of Job,
+that I do believe a lock of his hair worn near one's own heart would help
+to make it beat more kindly to one's fellow creatures. This idea may be
+considered too fanciful, too cat-like, but I believe it notwithstanding.
+
+Such was the Dog whose autobiography I have great pleasure in presenting
+to the world. Many may object to the unpolished style in which his
+memoirs are clothed, but all who knew him will easily pardon every want
+of elegance in his language; and those who had not the honour of his
+acquaintance, will learn to appreciate his character from the plain
+spirit of truth which breathes in every line he wrote. I again affirm
+that I need make no apology for attaching my name to that of one so
+worthy the esteem of his co-dogs, ay, and co-cats too; for in spite of
+the differences which have so often raised up a barrier between the
+members of his race and ours, not even the noblest among us could be
+degraded by raising a "mew" to the honour of such a thoroughly honest
+dog.
+
+  MINETTE GATTINA.
+
+  THE UPPER MEWS,
+  CANEVILLE.
+
+
+
+
+EARLY DAYS.
+
+
+I was not born in this city of Caneville, but was brought here at so
+young an age, that I have no recollection of any other place. I do not
+remember either my father or my mother. An old doggess,[A] who was the
+only creature I can recal to mind when I was a pup, took care of me. At
+least, she said she did. But from what I recollect, I had to take most
+care of myself. It was from her I learnt what I know about my parents.
+She has told me that my father was a foreign dog of high rank; from a
+country many, many miles away, called Newfoundland, and that my mother
+was a member of the Mastiff family. But how I came to be under the care
+of herself, and how it happened, if my parents were such superior
+animals, that I should be forced to be so poor and dirty, I cannot tell.
+I have sometimes ventured to ask her; but as she always replied with a
+snarl or a bite, I soon got tired of putting any questions to her. I do
+not think she was a very good temper; but I should not like to say so
+positively, because I was still young when she died, and perhaps the
+blows she gave me, and the bites she inflicted, were only intended for my
+good; though I did not think so at the time.
+
+[Footnote A: I have preferred adopting this word in speaking of female
+dogs, as it comes nearer to the original, _zaiyen_.]
+
+As we were very poor, we were forced to live in a wretched kennel in the
+dampest part of the town, among dogs no better off than ourselves. The
+place we occupied overhung the water, and one day when the old doggess
+was punishing me for something I had done, the corner in which I was
+crouched being rotten, gave way, and I fell plump into the river. I had
+never been in the water before, and I was very frightened, for the stream
+was so rapid that it carried me off and past the kennels I knew, in an
+instant. I opened my mouth to call out for help; but as I was almost
+choked with the water that got into it, I shut it again, and made an
+effort to reach the land. To my surprise I found that, by moving my paws
+and legs, I not only got my head well above the water, but was able to
+guide myself to the bank, on to which I at length dragged myself, very
+tired and out of breath, but quite recovered from my fear. I ran over the
+grass towards the town as fast as I could, stopping now and then to shake
+my coat, which was not so wet, however, as you would suppose; but before
+I had got half way home I met the doggess, hopping along, with her tongue
+out of her mouth, panting for breath, she having run all the way from the
+kennel, out of which I had popped so suddenly, along the bank, with the
+hope of picking me up somewhere. She knew, she said, that I should never
+be drowned. But how she _could_ know that was more than I could then
+imagine.
+
+When we met, after I had escaped so great a danger, I flew to her paws,
+in the hope of getting a tender lick; but as soon as she recovered
+breath, she caught hold of one of my ears with her teeth, and bit it till
+I howled with pain, and then set off running with me at a pace which I
+found it difficult to keep up with. I remember at the time thinking it
+was not very kind of her; but I have since reflected that perhaps she
+only did it to brighten me up and prevent me taking cold.
+
+This was my first adventure, and also my first acquaintance with the
+water. From that day I often ventured into the river, and in the end
+became so good a swimmer, that there were few dogs in Caneville who could
+surpass me in strength and dexterity afloat.
+
+Many moons came and passed away, and I was getting a big dog. My appetite
+grew with my size, and as there was little to eat at home, I was forced
+to wander through the streets to look after stray bones; but I was not
+the only animal employed thus hunting for a livelihood, and the bits
+scattered about the streets being very few and small, some of us, as may
+be imagined, got scanty dinners. There was such quarrelling and fighting,
+also, for the possession of every morsel, that if you were not willing to
+let go any piece you had seized upon, you were certain to have
+half-a-dozen curs upon your back to force you to do so; and the poor
+weakly dog, whose only hope of a meal lay in what he might pick up, ran a
+sad chance of being starved.
+
+One of the fiercest fights I have ever been engaged in occurred upon one
+of these occasions. I had had no breakfast, and it was already past the
+hour when the rich dogs of Caneville were used to dine. Hungry and
+disconsolate, I was trotting slowly past a large house, when a side-door
+opened, and a servant jerked a piece of meat into the road. In the
+greatest joy I pounced upon the prize, but not so quickly but that two
+ragged curs, who were no doubt as hungry as myself, managed to rush to
+the spot in time to get hold of the other end of it. Then came a struggle
+for the dainty; and those who do not know how hard dogs will fight for
+their dinner, when they have had no breakfast, should have been there to
+learn the lesson. After giving and receiving many severe bites, the two
+dogs walked off--perhaps they did not think the meat was worth the
+trouble of contending for any longer--and I was left to enjoy my meal in
+peace. I had scarcely, however, squatted down, with the morsel between my
+paws, than a miserable little puppy, who seemed as if he had had neither
+dinner nor breakfast for the last week, came and sat himself at a little
+distance from me, and without saying a word, brushed the pebbles about
+with his ragged tail, licked his chops, and blinked his little eyes at me
+so hopefully, that, hungry as I was, I could not begin my meat. As I
+looked at him, I observed two tears gather at the side of his nose, and
+grow bigger and bigger until they would no longer stop there, but tumbled
+on to the ground. I could bear it no longer. I do not know even now what
+ailed me; but my own eyes grew so dim, that there seemed a mist before
+them which prevented my seeing anything plainly. I started up, and
+pushing to the poor whelp the piece of meat which had cost me three new
+rents in my coat and a split ear, I trotted slowly away. I stopped at the
+corner to see whether he appeared to enjoy it, and partly to watch that
+no other dog should take it from him. The road was quite clear, and the
+poor pup quite lost in the unusual treat of a good meal; so I took my
+way homewards, with an empty stomach but a full heart. I was so pleased
+to see that little fellow enjoy his dinner so thoroughly.
+
+This sort of life, wherein one was compelled either to fight for every
+bit one could get to eat or go without food altogether, became at last so
+tiresome to me that I set about for some other means of providing for my
+wants. I could not understand how the old doggess used to manage, but
+though she never had anything to give me, she did not seem to be without
+food herself. She was getting so much more cross and quarrelsome, perhaps
+on account of her age and infirmities, that I now saw but little of her,
+as I often, on a fine night, preferred curling myself up under a doorway
+or beneath a tree, to returning to the kennel and listening to her feeble
+growls. She never seemed to want me there, so I had less difficulty in
+keeping away from her.
+
+Chance assisted me in the choice of my new attempt at getting a living. I
+was walking along one of the narrow streets of Caneville, when I was
+stopped by an old dog, who was known to be very rich and very miserly. He
+had lately invented a novel kind of match for lighting pipes and cigars,
+which he called "a fire-fly," the composition of which was so dangerous
+that it had already caused a good deal of damage in the town from its
+exploding; and he wanted some active young dogs to dispose of his wares
+to the passers-by according to the custom of Caneville. As he expected a
+good deal of opposition from the venders of a rival article, it was
+necessary to make choice of such agents as would not be easily turned
+from their purpose for fear of an odd bite or two. I suppose he thought I
+was well fitted for the object he had in view. I was very poor--one good
+reason, for his employing me, as I would be contented with little; I was
+strong, and should therefore be able to get through the work; I was
+willing, and bore a reputation for honesty--all sufficient causes for old
+Fily (that was his name) to stop me this fine morning and propose my
+entering his service. Terms are easily arranged where both parties are
+willing to come to an agreement. After being regaled with a mouldy bone,
+and dressed out in an old suit of clothes belonging to my new master,
+which, in spite of a great hole in one of the knees, I was not a little
+proud of, with a bundle of wares under my arm and a box of the famous
+"fire-flies" in my paw, I began my commercial career.
+
+But, alas! either the good dogs of Caneville were little disposed to
+speculate that day, or I was very awkward in my occupation, but no one
+seemed willing to make a trial of my "fire-flies." In vain I used the
+most enticing words to set off my goods, even going so far as to say that
+cigars lighted with these matches would have a very much finer flavour,
+and could not possibly go out. This I said on the authority of my
+employer, who assured me of the fact. It was of no use; not a single
+"fire-fly" blazed in consequence, and I began to fear that I was not
+destined to make my fortune as a match-seller.
+
+At length there came sweeping down the street a party which at once
+attracted me, and I resolved to use my best efforts to dispose, at least,
+of one of my boxes, if it were only to convince my master that I had done
+my best. The principal animal of the group was a lady doggess,
+beautifully dressed, with sufficient stuff in her gown to cover a dozen
+ordinary dogs, a large muff to keep her paws from the cold, and a very
+open bonnet with a garden-full of flowers round her face, which, in spite
+of her rich clothes, I did not think a very pretty one. A little behind
+her was another doggess, not quite so superbly dressed, holding a puppy
+by the paw. It was very certain that they were great animals, for two or
+three dogs they had just passed had taken off their hats as they went by,
+and then put their noses together as if they were saying something about
+them.
+
+[Illustration: LADY BULL]
+
+I drew near, and for the first time in my life was timid and abashed. The
+fine clothes, no doubt, had something to do with making me feel so,
+but--I was still very young. Taking courage, I went on tiptoe to the
+great lady, and begged her to buy a box of "fire-flies" of a poor dog who
+had no other means of gaining his bread. Now, you must know that these
+matches had not a pleasant smell--few matches have; but as they were
+shut up in the box, the odour could not have been _very_ sensible.
+However, when I held up the article towards her ladyship, she put her paw
+to her nose--as though to shut out the odour--uttered a low howl, and,
+though big enough and strong enough to have sent me head over heels with
+a single blow, seemed on the point of falling to the ground. But at the
+instant, two male servants, whom I had not seen, ran to her assistance,
+while I, who was the innocent cause of all this commotion, stood like a
+silly dog that I was, with my box in the air and my mouth wide open,
+wondering what it all meant. I was not suffered to remain long in
+ignorance; for the two hounds in livery, turning to me, so belaboured my
+poor back that I thought at first my bones were broken; while the young
+puppy, who, it appears, was her ladyship's youngest son, running behind
+me, while I was in this condition, gave my tail such a pull as to cause
+me the greatest pain. They then left me in the middle of the road, to
+reflect on my ill success in trade, and gather up my stock as I best
+could.
+
+I do not know what it was which made me so anxious to learn the name and
+rank of the lady doggess who had been the cause of my severe punishment,
+but I eagerly inquired of a kind mongrel, who stopped to help me collect
+my scattered goods, if he knew anything about her. He said, she was
+called Lady Bull; that her husband. Sir John Bull, had made a large
+fortune somehow, and that they lived in a splendid house, had about
+thirty puppies, little and big, had plenty of servants, and spent a
+great deal of money. He could hardly imagine, he said, that it was the
+odour of the "fire-flies" which had occasioned me to be knocked down for
+upsetting her ladyship, as she had been a butcher's daughter, and was
+used to queer smells, unless her nose had perhaps got more delicate with
+her change of position.
+
+He said much more about her and her peculiarities than I either remember
+or care to repeat; but, imagining he had some private reasons for saying
+what he did, I thanked him for his trouble, and bid him good day.
+
+Whatever the cause of my failure, it seemed that I was not fitted for the
+match-business. At all events, the experience of that morning did not
+encourage me sufficiently to proceed. So, returning the unsold
+"fire-flies" to old Fily, I made him a present of the time I had already
+spent in his service, and, with a thoughtful face and aching bones, took
+my way towards the kennel by the water-side.
+
+
+
+
+CHANGES.
+
+
+The sun was just going down as I came in sight of the river and the row
+of poor kennels which stood on the bank, many of them, like our own,
+projecting half over the water. I could not help wondering at the pretty
+effect they made at a distance, with the blue river dancing gaily by
+their side, the large trees of the wood on the opposite bank waving in
+beauty, and the brilliant sun changing everything that his rays fell upon
+into gold. He made the poor kennels look so splendid for the time, that
+no one would have thought the animals who lived in them could ever be
+poor or unhappy. But when the rich light was gone,--gone with the sun
+which made it to some other land,--it seemed as if the whole place was
+changed. The trees shivered as though a cold wind was stirring them. The
+river ran dark and sullenly by the poor houses; and the houses themselves
+looked more wretched, I thought, than they had ever appeared before. Yet,
+somehow, they were more homelike in their dismal state than when they had
+a golden roof and purple sides, so, resuming my walk, for I had stopped
+to admire the pretty picture, I soon came near the door.
+
+It was open, as usual. But what was _not_ usual, was to hear other sounds
+from within than the voice of the old doggess, making ceaseless moans.
+Now it seemed as if all the doggesses of the neighbourhood had met in the
+poor hut to pass the evening, for there was such confusion of tongues,
+and such a rustling sound, as told me, before I peeped inside, that
+there was a large party got together, and that tails were wagging at a
+fearful rate.
+
+When I stood before the open door, all the scene broke upon me. On her
+bed of straw, evidently at the point of death, lay my poor doggess. Her
+eyes had almost lost their fierce expression, and were becoming fixed and
+glassy--a slight tremor in her legs and movement of her stumpy tail, were
+all that told she was yet living; not even her breast was seen to heave.
+
+I had not much reason to bear love to the old creature for any kindness
+she had ever shown me, but this sight overcame me at once. Springing to
+her aide, and upsetting half a dozen of the gossips by the movement, I
+laid my paw on hers; and, involuntarily raising my head in the air, I
+sent forth a howl which shook the rotten timbers of the old kennel, and
+so frightened the assembled party as to make them scamper out of the
+place like mad things. The sound even called back the departing senses of
+the dying doggess. She drew me to her with her paws, and made an effort
+to lick me. The action quite melted me. I put down my head to hers and
+felt a singular pleasure mixed with grief whilst I licked and caressed
+her, I could not help thinking then, as I have often thought since, of
+how much happiness we had lost by not being more indulgent to each
+other's faults, forgiving and loving one another. She also seemed to be
+of this opinion, if I might judge by the grateful look and passive manner
+in which she received my attentions. Perhaps the near approach of her end
+gave a softness to her nature which was unusual to her; it is not
+unlikely; but, of a certainty, I never felt before how much I was losing,
+as when I saw that poor doggess's life thus ebbing away.
+
+Night had come on while I sat watching by her side. Everything about the
+single room had become more and more indistinct, until all objects were
+alike blended in the darkness. I could no longer distinguish the shape of
+my companion, and, but that I _knew_ she was there, I could have thought
+myself alone. The wind had fallen; the water seemed to run more gently
+than it was wont to do; and the noises which generally make themselves
+heard in the streets of Caneville appeared to be singularly quieted. But
+once only, at another period of my life, which I shall speak of in its
+proper place, do I ever remember to have been so struck by the silence,
+and to have felt myself so entirely alone.
+
+The moon appeared to rise quicker that night, as though it pitied the
+poor forlorn dog. It peeped over an opposite house, and directly after,
+shone coldly but kindly through the open door. At least, its light seemed
+to come like the visit of a friend, in spite of its showing me what I
+feared, that I was _indeed_ alone in the world. The poor doggess had died
+in the darkness between the setting of the sun and the moon's rise.
+
+I was sure that she was dead, yet I howled no more. My grief was very
+great; for it is a sad, sad thing when you are young to find you are
+without friends; perhaps sadder when you are old; but that, I fortunately
+do not myself know, for I am old, and have many friends. I recollect
+putting my nose between my paws, and lying at full length on the floor,
+waiting till the bright sun should come again, and thinking of my forlorn
+condition. I must have slept and dreamed--yet I thought I was still in
+the old kennel with the dead doggess by my side. But everything seemed to
+have found a voice, and to be saying kind things to me.
+
+The river, as it ran and shook the supports of the old kennel, appeared
+to cry out in a rough but gay tone: "Job, Job, my dog, cheer up, cheer
+up; the world is before you, Job, cheer up, cheer up." The light wind
+that was coming by that way stopped to speak to me as it passed. It flew
+round the little room, and whispered as it went: "Poor dog, poor dog, you
+are very lonely; but the good need not be so; the good may have friends,
+dear Job, however poor!" The trees, as they waved their heads, sent
+kindly words across the water, that made their way to my heart right
+through the chinks of the old cabin; and when morning broke, and a bright
+sky smiled beautifully upon the streets of Caneville, I woke up, sad
+indeed, but full of hope.
+
+Some ragged curs arrived, and carried the old doggess away. She was very
+heavy, and they were forced to use all their strength. I saw her cast
+into the water, which she disliked so much alive; I watched her floating
+form until the rapid current bore it into the wood, and I stayed sitting
+on the brink of the river wondering where it would reach at last, and
+what sort of places must lie beyond the trees. I had an idea in my own
+mind that the sun rested there all night, only I could not imagine how it
+came up again in the morning in quite an opposite quarter; but then I was
+such a young and ignorant puppy!
+
+After thinking about this and a good many other matters of no importance
+to my story, I got upon my legs, and trotted gently along the bank,
+towards a part of the city which I did not remember to have seen before.
+The houses were very few, but they were large and handsome, and all had
+pretty gardens in nice order, with flowers which smelt so sweet, that I
+thought the dogs who could always enjoy such advantages must be very
+happy. But one of the houses, larger than all the rest, very much struck
+me, for I had never an idea of such a splendid place being in Caneville.
+It was upon a little hill that stood at some distance from the river, and
+the ground which sloped down from the house into the water was covered
+with such beautiful grass, that it made one long to nibble and roll upon
+it.
+
+While I was quietly looking at this charming scene, I was startled by a
+loud noise of barking and howling higher up the river, and a confused
+sound, as if a great many dogs were assembled at one place, all calling
+out together. I ran at once in the direction of the hubbub, partly out of
+curiosity and in part from some other motive, perhaps the notion of being
+able to render some help.
+
+A little before me the river had a sudden bend, and the bank rose high,
+which prevented me seeing the cause of the noise; but when I reached the
+top, the whole scene was before me. On my side of the river a great crowd
+had assembled, who were looking intently upon something in the water;
+and on the opposite bank there was a complete stream of dogs, running
+down to the hill which belonged to the beautiful house I had been
+admiring. Every dog, as he ran, seemed to be trying to make as much noise
+as he could; and those I spoke to were barking so loudly, and jumping
+about in such a way, that I could at first get no explanation of what was
+the matter. At last I saw that the struggling object in the water was a
+young puppy, which seemed very nicely dressed, and at the same moment the
+mongrel, who had helped me to pick up my matches the day before, came
+alongside of me, and said: "Ah, young firefly, how are you? Isn't this a
+game? That old Lady Bull who got you such a drubbing yesterday, is in a
+pretty mess. Her thirty-second pup has just tumbled into the water, and
+will certainly be drowned. Isn't she making a fuss? just look!"
+
+One rapid glance showed me the grand lady he spoke of, howling most
+fearfully on the other side of the stream, while two pups, about the same
+size as the one in the water, and a stout dog, who looked like the papa,
+were sometimes catching hold of her and then running about, not knowing
+what to do.
+
+I stopped no longer. I threw off my over-coat, and running to a higher
+part of the bank, leapt into the water, the mongrel's voice calling after
+me: "What are you going to do? Don't you know its the son of the old
+doggess who had you beat so soundly? Look at your shoulder, where the
+hair has been all knocked off with the blows?" Without paying the least
+attention to these words, which I could not help hearing they were called
+out so loudly, I used all my strength to reach the poor little pup, who,
+tired with his efforts to help himself, had already floated on to his
+back, while his tiny legs and paws were moving feebly in the air. I
+reached him after a few more efforts, and seizing his clothes with my
+teeth, I got his head above the water, and swam with my load slowly
+towards the bank.
+
+As I got nearer, I could see Lady Bull, still superbly dressed, but
+without her bonnet, throw up her paws and nose towards the sky, and fall
+back into the arms of her husband; while the two pups by her side
+expressed their feelings in different ways; for one stuffed his little
+fists into his eyes, and the other waved his cap in the air, and broke
+forth into a succession of infantile bow-wows.
+
+[Illustration: GOOD DOG!]
+
+On reaching, the bank, I placed my load at the feet of his poor mother,
+who threw herself by his side and hugged him to her breast, in a way
+which proved how much tenderness was under those fine clothes and
+affected manners. The others stood around her uttering low moans of
+sympathy, and I, seeing all so engaged and taken up with the recovered
+dog, quietly, and, as I thought, unseen by all, slid back into the water,
+and permitted myself to be carried by the current down the river. I
+crawled out at some short distance from the spot where this scene had
+taken place, and threw myself on to the grass, in order to rest from my
+fatigue and allow the warm sun to dry my saturated clothes. What I felt I
+can scarce describe, although I remember so distinctly everything
+connected with that morning. My principal sensation was that of savage
+joy, to think I had saved the son of the doggess who had caused me such
+unkind treatment. I was cruel enough, I am sorry to say, to figure to
+myself her pain at receiving such a favour from me--but that idea soon
+passed away, on reflecting that perhaps she would not even know to whom
+she owed her son's escape from death.
+
+In the midst of my ruminations, a light step behind me caused me to raise
+my head. I was positively startled at the beautiful object which I
+beheld. It was a lady puppy about my own age, but so small in size, and
+with such an innocent sweet look, that she seemed much younger. Her dress
+was of the richest kind, and her bonnet, which had fallen back from her
+head, showed her glossy dark hair and drooping ears that hung gracefully
+beside her cheeks. Poorly as I was dressed, and wet as I still was from
+my bath, she sat herself beside me, and putting her little soft paw upon
+my shoulder, said, with a smile--
+
+"Ah, Job!--for I know that's your name--did you think you could get off
+so quietly without any one seeing you, or stopping you, or saying one
+single 'thank you, Job,' for being such a good noble dog as you are? Did
+you think there was not one sharp eye in Caneville to watch the saver,
+but that all were fixed upon the saved? That every tongue was so engaged
+in sympathizing with the mother, that not one was left to praise the
+brave? If you thought this, dear Job, you did me and others wrong, great
+wrong. There are some dogs, at least, who may forget an injury, but who
+never forget a noble action, and I have too great a love for my species
+to let you think so. I shall see you again, dear Job, though I must leave
+you now. I should be blamed if it were known that I came here to talk to
+you as I have done; but I could not help it, I could not let you believe
+that a noble heart was not understood in Caneville. Adieu. Do not forget
+the name of Fida."
+
+She stooped down, and for a moment her silky hair waved on my rough
+cheek, while her soft tongue gently licked my face. Before I could open
+my mouth in reply--before, indeed, I had recovered from my surprise, and
+the admiration which this beautiful creature caused me, she was gone. I
+sprang on to my legs to observe which way she went, but not a trace of
+her could I see, and I thought it would not be proper to follow her. When
+I felt certain of being alone, I could hardly restrain my feelings. I
+threw myself on my back, I rolled upon the grass, I turned head over
+heels in the boisterousness of my spirit, and then gambolled round and
+round like a mad thing.
+
+Did I believe all the flattering praises which the lovely Fida had
+bestowed on me? I might perhaps have done so then, and in my inexperience
+might have fancied that I was quite a hero. Time has taught me another
+lesson. It has impressed upon me the truth, that when we do our duty we
+do only what should be expected of every dog; only what every dog ought
+to do. Of the two, Fida had done the nobler action. She had shown not
+only a promptness to feel what she considered good, but she had had the
+courage to say so in private to the doer, although he was of the poorest
+and she of the richest class of Caneville society. In saving the little
+pup's life, I had risked nothing; I knew my strength, and felt certain I
+could bring him safely to the shore. If I had _not_ tried to save the
+poor little fellow I should have been in part guilty of his death. But
+she, in bestowing secret praise and encouragement upon a poor dog who had
+no friends to admire her for so doing, while her action would perhaps
+bring blame upon her from her proud friends, did that which was truly
+good and noble.
+
+The thought of returning to my solitary home after the sad scene of the
+night before, and particularly after the new feelings just excited, was
+not a pleasant one. The bright sky and fresh air seemed to suit me better
+than black walls and the smell of damp straw. Resolving in my mind,
+however, to leave it as soon as possible, I re-crossed the river, and,
+with a slower step than usual, took the road which led thither.
+
+
+
+
+UPS AND DOWNS.
+
+
+I should not probably have spoken of these last incidents in my life, as
+the relation of them savours rather too much of vanity, but for certain
+results of the highest importance to my future fortunes.
+
+When I reached the old kennel I found, waiting my return, two terrier
+dogs in livery, with bulls' heads grinning from such a quantity of
+buttons upon their lace coats that it was quite startling. They brought
+a polite message from Sir John and Lady Bull, begging me to call upon
+them without delay. As the servants had orders to show me the road, we
+set off at once.
+
+I was very silent on the journey, for my companions were so splendidly
+dressed that I could not help thinking they must be very superior dogs
+indeed; and I was rather surprised, when they spoke to each other, to
+find that they talked just like any other animals, and a good deal more
+commonly than many that I knew. But such is the effect of fine clothes
+upon those who know no better.
+
+We soon reached the grounds of the mansion, having crossed the river in a
+boat that was waiting for us; and after passing through a garden more
+beautiful than my poor dog's brain had ever imagined, we at last stood
+before the house itself. I need not describe to you, who know the place
+so well, the vastness of the building or the splendour of its appearance.
+What struck me more even than the palace, was the number of the servants
+and the richness of their clothes. Each of them seemed fine enough to be
+the master of the place, and appeared really to think so, if I could
+judge by the way they strutted about and the look they gave at my poor
+apparel. I was much abashed at first to find myself in such a company and
+make so miserable a figure; but I was consoled with the thought that not
+one of them that morning had ventured, in spite of his eating his
+master's meat and living in his master's house, to plunge into the water
+to save his master's son. Silly dog that I was! it did not enter my head
+at the same time to inquire whether any of them had learnt to swim.
+
+If the outside of the mansion had surprised me by its beauty, the
+interior appeared of course much more extraordinary to my ignorant mind.
+Every thing I was unused to looked funny or wonderful; and if I had not
+been restrained by the presence of such great dogs, I should have
+sometimes laughed outright, and at others broken forth into expressions
+of surprise.
+
+The stout Sir John Bull was standing in the middle of the room when I
+entered it, while the stouter Lady Bull was lying on a kind of sofa, that
+seemed quite to sink beneath her weight. I found out afterwards that it
+was the softness of the sofa which made it appear so; for sitting on it
+myself, at my Lady's request, I jumped up in the greatest alarm, on
+finding the heaviest part of my body sink lower and lower down, and my
+tail come flapping into my face.
+
+Sir John and Lady Bull now thanked me very warmly for what I had done,
+and said a great many things which it is not worth while to repeat. I
+remember they were very pleasing to me then, but I am sure cannot be
+interesting to you now. After their thanks, Sir John began to talk to me
+about myself--about my parents--my wishes--what I intended to do--and
+what were my means? To his great surprise he learnt that parents I had
+none; that my only wishes were the desire to do some good for myself and
+others, and earn my meat; that I had no notion what I intended doing, and
+had no means whatever to do anything with. It may be believed that I
+willingly accepted his offer to watch over a portion of his grounds, to
+save them from the depredations of thieves, on condition of my receiving
+good clothes, plenty of food, and a comfortable house to live in. It was
+now my turn to be thankful. But although my heart was full at this piece
+of good fortune, and I could _think_ of a great many things to say to
+show my gratitude, not a single word could I find to express it in, but
+stood before them like a dumb dog, with only the wave of my tail to
+explain my thanks. They seemed, however, to understand it, and I was at
+once ordered a complete suit of clothes and everything fitted for my new
+position. I was also supplied with the most abundant supper I had ever
+had in my life, and went to rest upon the most delightful bed; so that
+before I went to sleep, and I do believe afterwards too, I kept saying to
+myself, "Job, Job, you have surely got some other dog's place; all this
+good luck can't be meant for you; what have you done, Job, that you
+should eat such meat, and sleep on so soft a bed, and be spoken to so
+kindly? Don't forget yourself, Job; there must be some mistake." But when
+I got up in the morning, and found a breakfast for me as nice as the
+supper, and looked at my clothes, which, if not so smart as some of the
+others, were better and finer than any I could ever have thought I should
+have worn, I was at last convinced, that although I was poor Job, and
+although I did not, perhaps, deserve all the happiness I felt, that it
+was not a dream, but real, plain truth. "As it is so," I said again, "I
+must do my duty as well as I am able, for that is the only way a poor dog
+like me can show his gratitude."
+
+After breakfast, I accompanied Sir John to the place of my future home. A
+quarter of an hour's walk brought us to a gentle hill, which, similar to
+the one whereon the mansion itself was situated, sloped downwards to the
+water. One or two trees, like giant sentinels, stood near the top, and
+behind them waved the branches of scores more, while beyond for many a
+mile spread the dark mass of the thick forest of which I have more than
+once made mention. Nearly at the foot of the hill, beneath a spreading
+oak, was a cottage, a very picture of peace and neatness; and as we
+paused, Sir John pointed out the peculiarities of the position and
+explained my duties. It appeared that this part of his grounds was noted
+for a delicate kind of bird, much esteemed by himself and his family, and
+which was induced to flock there by regular feeding and the quiet of the
+situation. This fact was, however, perfectly well known to others besides
+Sir John; and as these others were just as fond of the birds as himself,
+they were accustomed to pay nightly visits to the forbidden ground, and
+carry off many of the plumpest fowl. The wood was known to shelter many a
+wandering fox, who, although dwelling so near the city, could not be
+prevailed on to abandon their roguish habits and live in a civilised
+manner. These birds were particularly to their taste, and it required the
+greatest agility to keep off the cunning invaders, for, though they had
+no great courage, and would not attempt to resist a bold dog, they
+frequently succeeded in eluding all vigilance and getting off with their
+booty. Often, too, a stray cur, sometimes two or three together, from the
+lowest classes of the population, would, when moved by hunger, make a
+descent on the preserves, and battles of a fierce character not seldom
+occurred, for, unlike the foxes, they were never unwilling to fight, but
+showed the utmost ferocity when attacked, and were often the aggressors.
+But those were not all. The grounds were exactly opposite that part of
+the city of Caneville known as the "Mews," and occupied by the cat
+population, who have a general affection for most birds, and held these
+preserved ones in particular esteem. Fortunately, the water that
+interposed was a formidable barrier for the feline visitors, as few
+pussies like to wet their feet; but, by some means or other, they
+frequently found their way across, and by their dexterity, swiftness, and
+the quiet of their movements, committed terrible ravages among the birds.
+When Sir John had told me all this, he led the way down the hill to the
+small house under the tree. It had two rooms, with a kennel at the back.
+The front room was the parlour, and I thought few places could have been
+so neat and pretty. The back was the sleeping-room, and the windows of
+both looked out upon the soft grass and trees, and showed a fine view of
+the river.
+
+"This," said Sir John, "is your house, and I hope you will be happy in it
+yourself, and be of service to me. You will not be alone, for
+there"--pointing to the kennel at the back--"sleeps an old servant of the
+family, who will assist you in your duties."
+
+He then called out "Nip," when a rumbling noise was heard from the
+kennel, and directly after a lame hound came hopping round to the door.
+The sight of this old fellow was not pleasant at first, for his hair was
+a grizzly brown and his head partly bald; his eyes were sunk, and,
+indeed, almost hidden beneath his bushy brows, and his cheeks hung down
+below his mouth and shook with every step he took. I soon found out that
+he was as singular in his manners as in his looks, and had such a dislike
+to talking that it was a rare thing for him to say more than two or three
+words at one time. Sir John told him who I was, and desired him to obey
+my orders; commanded us both to be good friends and not quarrel, as
+strange dogs were rather apt to do; and after some more advice left us to
+ourselves, I in a perfect dream of wonderment, and "Nip" sitting winking
+at me in a way that I thought more funny than agreeable.
+
+After we had sat looking at one another for some time, I said, just to
+break the silence, which was becoming tiresome--
+
+"A pretty place this!"
+
+Nip winked.
+
+"Have you been here long?" I asked.
+
+"Think so," said Nip.
+
+"All alone?" I inquired.
+
+"Almost," Nip replied.
+
+"Much work to do, eh?" I asked.
+
+The only answer Nip gave to this was by winking first one eye and then
+the other, and making his cheeks rise and fall in a way so droll that I
+could not help laughing, at which Nip seemed to take offence, for without
+waiting for any farther questions he hopped out of the room, and I saw
+him, soon after, crawling softly up the hill, as if on the look out for
+some of the thieves Sir John had spoken of.
+
+I, too, went off upon the watch. I took my way along the bank, I glided
+among the bushes, ran after a young fox whose sharp nose I spied pointed
+up a tree, but without catching him, and finally returned to my new home
+by the opposite direction. Nip came in shortly after, and we sat down to
+our dinner.
+
+Although this portion of my life was, perhaps, the happiest I have ever
+known, it has few events worth relating. The stormy scenes which are so
+painful to the dog who suffers them, are those which are most interesting
+to the hearer; while the quiet days, that glide peacefully away, are so
+like each other, that an account of one of them is a description of many.
+A few hours can be so full of action, as to require volumes to describe
+them properly, and the history of whole years can be written on a single
+page.
+
+I tried, as I became fixed in my new position, to do what I had resolved
+when I entered it; namely, my duty. I think I succeeded; I certainly
+obtained my master's praise, and sometimes my own; for I had a habit of
+talking to myself, as Nip so rarely opened his mouth, and would praise or
+blame myself just as I thought I deserved it. I am afraid I was not
+always just, but too often said, "Well done, Job; that's right, Job;"
+when I ought to have called out, "You're wrong, Job; you ought to feel,
+Job, that you're wrong;" but it is not so easy a thing to be just, even
+to ourselves.
+
+One good lesson I learned in that little cottage, which has been of use
+to me all my life through; and that was, to be very careful about judging
+dogs by their looks. There was old Nip: when I first saw him, I thought I
+had never beheld such an ugly fellow in my life, and could not imagine
+how anything good was to be expected from so cross a looking, ragged old
+hound. And yet nothing could be more beautiful, more loveable than dear
+old Nip, when you came to know him well. All the misfortunes he had
+suffered, all the knocks he had received in passing through the world,
+seemed to have made his heart more tender; and he was so entirely
+good-natured, that in all the time we were together, I never heard him
+say an unkind thing of living or dead animal. I believe his very silence
+was caused by the goodness of his disposition; for as he could not help
+seeing many things he did not like, but could not alter, he preferred
+holding his tongue to saying what could not be agreeable. Dear, dear Nip!
+if ever it should be resolved to erect a statue of goodness in the public
+place of Caneville, they ought to take you for a model; you would not be
+so pleasant to look on as many finer dogs, but when once known, your
+image would be loved, dear Nip, as I learned to love the rugged original.
+
+It can be of no interest to you to hear the many fights we had in
+protecting the property of our master during the first few moons after my
+arrival. Almost every night we were put in danger of lives, for the curs
+came in such large numbers that there was a chance of our being pulled to
+pieces in the struggle. Yet we kept steady watch; and after a time,
+finding, I suppose, that we were never sleeping at our post, and that our
+courage rose with every fresh attack, the thieves gradually gave up open
+war, and only sought to entrap the birds by artifice; and, like the foxes
+and cats, came sneaking into the grounds, and trusted to the swiftness of
+their legs rather than the sharpness of their teeth when Nip or I caught
+sight of them.
+
+And thus a long, long time passed away. I had, meanwhile, grown to my
+full size, and was very strong and active: not so stout as I have got in
+these later years, when my toes sometimes ache with the weight which
+rests on them, but robust and agile, and as comely, I believe, as most
+dogs of my age and descent.
+
+The uniformity of my life, which I have spoken of as making me so happy,
+was interrupted only by incidents that did not certainly cause me
+displeasure. I renewed my acquaintance with "Fida," no longer _little_
+Fida, for she had grown to be a beautiful lady-dog. Our second meeting
+was by chance, but we talked like old friends, so much had our first done
+to remove all strangeness. I don't think the next time we saw each other
+was quite by accident. If I remember rightly, it was not; and we often
+met afterwards. We agreed that we should do all we could to assist one
+another, though what _I_ could do for so rich and clever a lady-dog I
+could not imagine, although I made the promise very willingly. On her
+part, she did for me what I can never sufficiently repay. She taught me
+to read, lending me books containing strange stories of far-off
+countries, and beautiful poetry, written by some deep dogs of the city;
+she taught me to write; and in order to exercise me, made me compose
+letters to herself, which Nip carried to her, bringing me back such
+answers as would astonish you; for when you thought you had got to the
+end, they began all over again in another direction. Besides these, she
+taught me to speak and act properly, in the way that well-behaved dogs
+ought to do; for I had been used to the company of such low and poor
+animals, that it was not surprising if I should make sad blunders in
+speech and manners. I need not say that she taught me to love herself,
+for that you will guess I had done from the first day I saw her, when I
+was wet from my jump in the river, and she spoke to me such flattering
+words. No; she could not teach me more love for herself than I already
+knew. That lesson had been learnt _by heart_, and at a single sitting.
+
+Our peaceful days were drawing to a close. Sir John died. Lady Bull lived
+on for a short time longer. Many said, when she followed, that she ate
+herself to death; but I mention the rumour in order to deny it, for I am
+sure it was grief that killed her. It is a pity some dogs will repeat
+everything they hear, without considering the mischief such tittle-tattle
+may occasion--although it has been asserted by many that in this case the
+false intelligence came from the Cats, who had no great affection for
+poor Lady Bull. Whatever the cause, she died, and with her the employment
+of poor Nip and myself. The young Bulls who came into possession of the
+estate, sold the preserves to a stranger; and as the new proprietor
+intended killing off the birds, and did not require keepers, there being
+no longer anything for them to do, we were turned upon the world.
+
+The news came upon us so suddenly, that we were quite unprepared for it;
+and we were, besides, so far from being rich, that it was a rather
+serious matter to find out how we should live until we could get some
+other occupation. I was not troubled for myself; for, though I had been
+used to good feeding lately, I did not forget the time when I was often
+forced to go the whole day with scarce a bit to eat; but the thought of
+how poor old Nip would manage gave me some pain.
+
+Having bid adieu to the peaceful cottage, where we had spent such happy
+times, we left the green fields and pleasant trees and proceeded to the
+town, where, after some difficulty, we found a humble little house which
+suited our change of fortune. Here we began seriously to muse over what
+we should do. I proposed making a ferry-boat of my back, and, stationing
+myself at the waterside near the "Mews," swim across the river with such
+cats as required to go over and did not like to walk as far as where the
+boat was accustomed to be. By these means I calculated on making enough
+money to keep us both comfortably. Nip thought not. He said that the cats
+would not trust me--few cats ever did trust the dogs--and then, though he
+did not dislike cats, not at all, for he knew a great many very sensible
+cats, and very good ones too, he did not like the idea of seeing his
+friend walked over by cats or dogs, or any other animal, stranger or
+domestic. Besides, there were other objections. Strong as I was, I could
+not expect, if I made a boat of myself, that I could go on and on without
+wanting repair any more than a real boat; but where was the carpenter to
+put _me_ to rights, or take out _my_ rotten timbers and put in fresh
+ones. No; that would not do; we must think of something else.
+
+It must not be imagined that Nip made all this long speech in one breath,
+or in a dozen breaths. It took him a whole morning to explain himself
+even as clearly as I have tried to do; and perhaps I may still have
+written what he did not quite intend, for his words came out with a jump,
+one or two at a time, and often so suddenly that it would have startled a
+dog who was not used to his manner.
+
+Nip himself made the next proposal, and though I did not exactly like it,
+there seemed so little choice, that I at once agreed to do my part in the
+scheme. Nip was the son of a butcher, and though he had followed the
+trade but a short time himself, he was a very good judge of meat. He,
+therefore, explained that if I would undertake to become the seller, he
+would purchase and prepare the meat, and he thought he could make it look
+nice enough to induce the dogs to come and buy.
+
+Our stock of money being very small, a house-shop was out of the
+question, so there was no chance of getting customers from the better
+class,--a thing which I regretted, as I had little taste for the society
+of the vulgar; but, again, as it could not be helped, the only thing to
+do was to make the best of it. A wheelbarrow was therefore bought by Nip,
+with what else was necessary to make me a complete "walking butcher," and
+having got in a stock of meat the day before, Nip cut, and contrived, and
+shaped, and skewered, in so quiet and business-like a way as proved he
+knew perfectly well what he was about. With early morning, after Nip had
+arranged my dress with the same care as he had bestowed upon the barrow
+and its contents, I wheeled my shop into the street, and amid a great
+many winks of satisfaction from my dear old friend, I went trudging
+along, bringing many a doggess to the windows of the little houses by my
+loud cry of "Me-eet! Fresh me-eet!"
+
+As I was strange in my new business, and did not feel quite at my ease, I
+fancied every dog I met, and every eye that peeped from door and
+casement, stared at me in a particular manner, as if they knew I was
+playing my part for the first time, and were watching to see how I did
+it. The looks that were cast at my meat, were all, I thought, intended
+for me, and when a little puppy leered suspiciously at the barrow as he
+was crossing the road, no doubt to see that it did not run over him, I
+could only imagine that he was thinking of the strange figure I made,
+and my awkward attempt at getting a living. Feelings like these no doubt
+alarm every new beginner; but time and habit, if they do not reconcile us
+to our lot, will make it at least easier to perform, and thus, after some
+two hours' journeying through the narrow lanes of Caneville, I did what
+my business required of me with more assurance than when I first set out.
+
+One thing, however, was very distasteful to me, and I could so little
+bear to see it, that I even spoke of it aloud, and ran the risk of
+offending some of my customers. I mean the _way_ in which several of the
+dogs devoured the meat after they had bought it. You will think that when
+they had purchased their food and paid for it, they had a right to eat it
+as they pleased: I confess it; nothing can be more true; but still, my
+ideas had changed so of late, that it annoyed me very much to see many of
+these curs, living as they did in the most civilized city in this part of
+the world, gnawing their meat as they held it on the ground with their
+paws, and growling if any one came near as though there was no such thing
+as a police in Caneville. I forgot when I was scolding these poor dogs,
+that perhaps they had never been taught better, and deserved pity rather
+than blame. I forgot too that I had myself behaved as they did before I
+had been blessed with happier fortune, and that, even then, if I had
+looked into my own conduct, I should have found many things more worthy
+of censure than these poor curs' mode of devouring their food.
+
+The lane I was passing along was cut across by a broad and open street,
+the favourite promenade of the fashionables of Caneville. There might be
+seen about mid-day, when the sun was shining, troops of well-dressed dogs
+and a few superior cats, some attended by servants, others walking alone,
+and many in groups of two or three, the male dogs smoking cigars, the
+ladies busily talking, while they looked at and admired one another's
+pretty dresses and bonnets.
+
+By the time I had got thus far, I had become tolerably used to my new
+work, and could imagine that when the passers-by cast their eyes on my
+barrow, their glances had more to do with the meat than with myself. But
+I did not like the idea of crossing the road where such grand dogs were
+showing off their finery. After a little inward conversation with myself,
+which finished with my muttering between my teeth, "Job, brother Job, I
+am ashamed of you! where is your courage, brother Job? Go on; go on;" I
+went on without further delay.
+
+I had got half-way across, and was already beginning to praise myself for
+the ease with which I turned my barrow in and out of the crowd without
+running over the toes of any of the puppies, who were far too much
+engaged to look after them themselves when a dirty little cur stopped me
+to buy a penn'orth of meat. I set down my load just in time to avoid
+upsetting a very fat and splendidly dressed doggess, who must, if I had
+run the wheel into her back, and it was very near it, have gone head
+foremost into the barrow. This little incident made me very hot, and I
+did not get cooler when my customer squatted down in the midst of the
+well-dressed crowd, and began tearing his meat in the way I have before
+described as being so unpleasant. At the same moment another dog by his
+side, with a very ragged coat, and queer little face, held up his paw to
+ask for "a little bit," as he was very hungry, "only a little bit." I
+should, probably, have given him a morsel, as I remembered the time when
+I wanted it as much as he seemed to do, but for an unexpected meeting.
+Turning my head at a rustling just behind me, I saw a well-dressed dog,
+with a hat of the last fashion placed so nicely on his head that it
+seemed to be resting on the bridge of his nose, the smoke from a cigar
+issuing gracefully from his mouth, and his head kept in an upright
+posture by a very stiff collar which ran round the back of his neck, and
+entirely prevented his turning round his head without a great deal of
+care and deliberation, while a tuft of hair curled nicely from beneath
+his chin, and gave a fine finish to the whole dog. But though I have
+spoken of this Caneville fashionable, it was not he who caused the
+rustling noise, or who most attracted my attention. Tripping beside
+him, with her soft paw beneath his, was a lady-dog, whose very dress told
+her name, at least in my eyes, before I saw her face. I felt sure that it
+was Fida, and I wished myself anywhere rather than in front of that
+barrow with an ill-bred cur at my feet gnawing the penn'orth of meat he
+had just bought of me. Before I had time to catch up my load and depart,
+a touch on my shoulder, so gentle that it would not have hurt a fly, and
+yet which made me tremble more than if it had been the grip of a giant
+animal, forced me again to turn. It _was_ Fida; as beautiful and as fresh
+as ever, who gave me a sweet smile of recognition and encouragement as
+she passed with her companion, and left me standing there as stupid and
+uncomfortable as if I had been caught doing something wrong.
+
+[Illustration: A CANINE BUTCHER]
+
+You will say that it was very ridiculous in me to feel so ashamed and
+disconcerted at being seen by her or any other dog or doggess in my
+common dress, and following an honest occupation. I do not deny it. And
+in telling you these things I have no wish to spare myself, I have no
+excuse to offer, but only to relate events and describe feelings
+precisely as they were.
+
+
+
+
+THE INUNDATION.
+
+
+That evening it seemed as if Nip and I had changed characters. It was he
+who did all the talking, while I sat in a corner, full of thought, and
+answered yes or no to everything he said, and sometimes in the wrong
+place, I am sure; for once or twice he looked at me very attentively, and
+winked in a way which proved that he was puzzled by my manner.
+
+The reason of his talkativeness was the success I had attained in my
+first morning's walk, for I had sold nearly all the meat, and brought
+home a pocket full of small money. The cause of my silence was the
+unexpected meeting with Fida, and the annoyance I felt at having been
+seen by her in such a position. This was the first time I had set eyes on
+her for several days. When we left our pretty country lodging, I wrote
+her a letter, which Nip carried as usual to her house, but he was told
+that she had gone on a visit to some friends at a distance, but that the
+letter should be given to her on her return. I had not, therefore, been
+able to inform her of what we had been compelled to do, as I would have
+wished; but thus, without preparation, quite unexpectedly, I had been met
+by her in the public street, acting the poor dogs' butcher, with the
+implements of my business before me, and a dirty cur growling and gnawing
+his dinner at my feet. What made the matter more serious, for serious it
+seemed to me, though I can but smile _now_ to think why such a thing
+should have made me uncomfortable, was, that the whole scene had taken
+place in so open a part, with so many grand and gay dogs all round, to be
+witnesses of my confusion. I did not reflect that, of all the puppies who
+were strutting past, there was probably not one who could have remembered
+so common an event as the passing of a butcher's barrow; and if they
+looked at me at all, it was, doubtless, for no other reason than to avoid
+running against my greasy coat and spoiling their fine clothes. These
+confessions will prove to you that I was very far from being a wise dog
+or even a sensible one; all the books I had read had, as yet, served no
+other purpose than that of feeding my vanity and making me believe I was
+a very superior animal; and you may learn from this incident, that those
+who wish to make a proper figure in the world, and play the part they are
+called on to perform in a decent manner, must study their lesson in the
+world itself, by mingling with their fellows, for books alone can no more
+teach such knowledge than it can teach a dog to swim without his going
+into the water.
+
+Nip and I had our dinner; and when it was over, my old friend went out to
+procure a supply of meat for the next day's business. I sat at the window
+with my nose resting on the ledge, at times watching some heavy clouds
+which were rolling up the sky, as if to attend a great meeting overhead;
+at another moment, looking at the curs in the streets, who were playing
+all sorts of games, which generally turned into a fight, and often
+staring at the house opposite without seeing a single stone in the wall,
+but in their place, Fidas, and puppies with stiff collars, and barrows
+with piles of meat, ready cut and skewered. I was awoke from this
+day-dream by the voice of an old, but very clean doggess, inquiring if my
+name was Mr. Job? I answered that I was so called, when she drew from her
+pocket and gave me a pink-coloured note, which smelt like a nice garden,
+and even brought one to my view as plainly as if it had suddenly danced
+before me, and saying there was no reply, returned by the way she had
+come.
+
+I did not require to be told by whom it was sent. I knew the writing too
+well. The neat folding, the small but clean address assured me that a
+lady's paw had done it all, and every word of the direction--
+
+  +---------------------------------------+
+  |     MASTER JOB,                       |
+  |                                       |
+  |       In the Little Dogs' Street,     |
+  |                                       |
+  |  F.             LOWER CANEVILLE.      |
+  +---------------------------------------+
+
+spoke to me of Fida, and did not even need the F. in the corner to
+convince me of the fact. With her permission, I here give you the
+contents:--
+
+    "MY DEAR JOB,
+
+
+    "I am sorry I was away from home when your letter arrived, and
+    would have told you I was going, but that I thought the news
+    might cause you pain, as I, by some mischance, had got my
+    tail jammed in a door, and was forced to leave home in order
+    to visit a famous doctor, who lives at some distance. He
+    fortunately cured me after a few days' illness, and the tail
+    wags now as freely as ever, although it was very annoying, as
+    well as ridiculous, to see me walking up and down the room
+    with that wounded member so wrapped up that it was as thick as
+    my whole body, and was quite a load to drag about.
+
+    "But, dear Job, I do not write this to talk about myself,
+    though I am forced to give you this explanation of my silence:
+    what I wish is to say something about _you_. And to begin, as
+    you have always been a good, kind dog, and listened to me
+    patiently when I have praised, you must now be just as kind
+    and good, and even more patient, because I am going to scold.
+
+    "Dear Job, when I met you this morning in your new dress and
+    occupation, I had not then read your letter. I had but just
+    returned, and was taking a walk with my brother, who had
+    arrived from abroad during my absence. I knew you at once, in
+    spite of your change of costume, and though I did not
+    particularly like the business you had chosen, I felt certain
+    you had good reasons for having selected it. But when I looked
+    in your face, instead of the smile of welcome which I expected
+    from you, I could read nothing but shame, confusion, and
+    annoyance. Why? dear Job, why? If you were _ashamed_ of your
+    occupation, why had you chosen it? I suppose when you took it
+    up, you resolved to do your duty in it properly; then why feel
+    _shame_ because _your friend_ sees you, as you must have
+    thought she would one day see you, since the nature of your
+    new business carries you into different parts of the city?
+
+    "But, dear Job, I feel certain, and I would like you to be
+    equally sure, that there is no need of _shame_ in following
+    any busines which is _honest_, and which can be carried on
+    without doing injury to others. It is not the business,
+    believe me, dear Job, which lowers a dog; _he himself_ is
+    alone capable of _lowering_ himself, and one dog may be truly
+    good and noble, though he drive a meat-barrow about the
+    streets, while another may be a miserable, mean animal, though
+    living in a palace and never soiling his paws.
+
+    "I have a great deal more to say, my dear Job, upon this
+    subject, but I must leave the rest till I see you. I have
+    already crossed and recrossed my note, and may be most
+    difficult to understand where I most want to be clear. Here is
+    a nice open space, however, in the corner, which I seize on
+    with pleasure to write myself most distinctly,
+
+
+    "Your friend,
+
+    "FIDA."
+
+A variety of feelings passed through my mind as I read these lines. But
+they were all lost in my wonder at Fida's cleverness in being able to
+read my face, as if it had been a book. I was grateful to her for the
+good advice she gave me, and now felt ashamed for having been ashamed
+before. The best way I thought to prove my thankfulness would be to act
+openly and naturally as Fida had pointed out, for I could not help
+confessing, as my eyes looked again and again over her note, that she was
+quite right, and that I had acted like a very silly animal.
+
+I was interrupted during my reflections by the bursting of rain upon the
+house-roofs, and the stream which rose from the streets as the large
+drops came faster and faster down. I went to the door to look for my old
+friend, but not a dog was to be seen. I was surprised at the sight of the
+sky where I had observed the clouds rising a little while before, for now
+those same clouds looked like big rocks piled one above another, with
+patches of light shining through great caverns.
+
+As I stared eagerly down the street, torrents of water poured from above,
+which, instead of diminishing, seemed to be growing more terrible every
+moment. I had never seen so fearful a storm. It did not appear like mere
+rain which was falling; the water came down in broad sheets, and changed
+the road into a river. I got more and more anxious about old Nip. It was
+getting dark, and I knew he was not strong. My hope was that he had
+taken shelter somewhere; but I could not rest, for I was sure he would
+try and get home, if only to quiet me. While running in and out in my
+anxiety--the water having meanwhile risen above the sill of the door, and
+poured into our little house, where it was already above my paws--I spied
+a dark figure crawling along the street, and with great difficulty making
+way against the beating of the storm. I at once rushed out, and swimming
+rather than running towards the object, I found my poor friend almost
+spent with fatigue, and scarcely able to move, having a heavy load to
+carry besides his own old limbs, which were not fit to battle with such a
+tempest. I caught up his package; and assisting him as well as I was
+able, we at length got to our cottage, though we were forced to get upon
+the bench that stood by the wall to keep our legs out of the water. The
+rain had now become a perfect deluge. A stream of water went hissing down
+the street, and rushed in and out of the houses as if they had been
+baths.
+
+When Nip recovered breath, he told me that terrible things were happening
+in the parts of the city by the waterside. The river had swollen so much,
+that some kennels had been carried away by the current, and it was
+impossible to learn how many poor dogs had been drowned. This news made
+me jump again from the bench where I had been sitting.
+
+"What is it?" said Nip.
+
+"I am going out, Nip," replied I. "I must not be idle here, when I can,
+perhaps, be of use somewhere else."
+
+"That is true," said Nip; "but, Job, strong as you are, the storm is
+stronger."
+
+"Yes, Nip," answered I; "but there are dogs weaker than myself who may
+require such assistance as I can give them, and it is not a time for a
+dog to sit with his tail curled round him, when there are
+fellow-creatures who may want a helping paw. So good-bye, old friend; try
+and go to sleep; you have done your duty as long as your strength let
+you, it is now for me to do mine." Without waiting for a reply, I rushed
+out at the door.
+
+It did not need much exertion to get through our street or the next, or
+the next after that, for as they all sloped downwards, the water more
+than once took me off my legs, and carried me along. Sad as Nip's news
+had been, I was not prepared for the terrible scene which met my eyes
+when I got near the river. The houses at the lower part of the street I
+had reached had been swept away by the torrent, and a crowd of shivering
+dogs stood looking at the groaning river as it rolled past in great waves
+as white as milk, in which black objects, either portions of some kennel
+or articles of furniture, were floating. Every now and then, a howl would
+break from a doggess in the crowd, as a dead body was seen tossed about
+by the angry water; and the same dolorous cries might be heard from
+different quarters, mixed up with the roar of the river.
+
+While standing with a group of three or four, staring with astonishment
+at the frightful scene, uncertain what to do, a howl was heard from
+another direction, so piercing that it made many of us run to learn the
+cause. The pale light showed us that the torrent had snapped the supports
+of a house at some distance from the river's bank, but which the swollen
+stream had now reached, and carried away at least half the building. By
+some curious chance, the broken timbers had become fixed for the moment
+in the boiling water, which, angry at the obstruction, was rushing round
+or flying completely over them; and it was easy to see that in a very
+short time the mass would be swept away. Upon the timbers thus exposed
+were three little pups scarce two months old, yelping most dismally as
+they crouched together, or crawled to the edge of their raft; while on
+the floor of the ruin from which this side had been torn away, was their
+poor mother, whose fearful howl had attracted us thither, and who was
+running from side to side of the shattered hut as if she was frantic.
+
+Great as the danger was, I could not bear to think the wretched mother
+should see her little ones swallowed up by the stormy water, before her
+very eyes, without a single attempt being made to save them. Although I
+could scarcely hope even to reach them in safety, and in no case could
+bring more than one of them to land at once, if I even got so far, I
+resolved to make the trial. Better save one, I thought, than let all die.
+
+Holding my breath, I launched into the current in the direction of the
+raft, and soon found that I had not been wrong in calculating the
+difficulties and dangers of the undertaking. It was not the water alone
+which made the peril so great, though the eddies seemed at every moment
+to be pulling me to the bottom, but there were so many things rushing
+along with the stream as to threaten to crush me as they flew by; and had
+they struck me, there is no doubt there would have been an end of my
+adventures. Avoiding them all, though I know not how, I was getting near
+the spot where the little pups were crying for their mother, when I felt
+myself caught in an eddy and dragged beneath the water. Without losing
+courage, but not allowing myself to breathe, I made a strong effort, and
+at last, got my head above the surface again; but where was the raft?
+Where were the helpless puppies? All had gone--not a trace was left to
+tell where they had been--the river foamed over the spot that had held
+them for a time, and was now rushing along as if boasting of its
+strength.
+
+Seeing my intentions thus defeated, I turned my head towards the shore,
+resolving to swim to land. To my surprise, I found that I made no
+progress. I put out all my strength--I fought with the water--I threw
+myself forward--it was in vain--I could not move a paw's breadth against
+the current. I turned to another point--I again used every exertion--all
+was useless--I felt my tired limbs sink under me--I felt the stream
+sweeping me away--my head turned round in the agony of that moment, and I
+moaned aloud.
+
+My strength was now gone--I could scarce move a paw to keep my head down
+the river. A dark object came near--it was a large piece of timber,
+probably a portion of some ruined building. Seizing it as well as my
+weakness would permit me, I laid my paws over the floating wood, and,
+dragging my body a little more out of the water, got some rest from my
+terrible labours.
+
+[Illustration: AFLOAT]
+
+Where was I hurrying to? I knew not. Every familiar object must have been
+long passed, but it was too obscure to make out anything except the angry
+torrent. On, on I went, in darkness and in fear--yes, great fear, not of
+death, but a fear caused by the strangeness of my position, and the
+uncertainty before me; on, on, till the black shores seemed to fly from
+each other, and the river to grow and grow until all land had
+disappeared, and nothing but the water met my aching eyes. I closed them
+to shut out the scene, and tried to forget my misery.
+
+Had I slept? And what was the loud noise which startled me so that I had
+nearly let go my hold? I roused myself--I looked around--I was tossing up
+and down with a regular motion, but could see nothing clearly, I was no
+longer carried forward so swiftly as before, but the dim light prevented
+me making out the place I was now in.
+
+Suddenly, a flash broke from the black clouds, and for a single moment
+shed a blue light over everything. What a spectacle! All around, for
+miles and miles and miles, was nothing but dancing water, like shining
+hills with milky tops, but not a living creature beside myself to keep me
+company, or say a kind word, or listen to me when I spoke, or pity me
+when I moaned! Oh! who could tell what I then felt, what I feared, and
+what I suffered! Alone! alone!
+
+When I think, as I often do now, of that terrible scene, and figure to
+myself my drenched body clinging to that piece of timber, I seem to feel
+a strange pity for the miserable dog thus left, as it seemed, to die,
+away from all his fellows, without a friendly howl raised, to show there
+was a single being to regret his loss--and I cannot help at such times
+murmuring to myself, as if it were some other animal, "Poor Job! poor
+dog!"
+
+I remember a dimness coming over my eyes after I had beheld that world of
+water--I have a faint recollection of thinking of Fida--of poor Nip--of
+the drowning puppies I had tried in vain, to save--of my passing through
+the streets of Caneville with my meat-barrow, and wondering how I could
+have been so foolish as to feel ashamed of doing so--and then--and
+then--I remember nothing more.
+
+
+
+
+PAINS AND PLEASURES.
+
+
+When I again opened my eyes after the deep sleep which had fallen upon
+me, morning was just breaking, and a grey light was in the sky and on the
+clouds which dotted it all over.
+
+As I looked round, you may well think, with hope and anxiety, still
+nothing met my view but the great world of water, broken up into a
+multitude of little hills. I now understood that I was on the sea, where
+I had been borne by the rushing river; that sea of which I had often
+read, but which I could form no idea about till this moment.
+
+The sad thought struck me that I must stop there, tossed about by the
+wind and beaten by the waves, until I should die of hunger, or that,
+spent with fatigue, my limbs would refuse to sustain me longer, and I
+should be devoured by some of the monsters of the deep, who are always on
+the watch for prey.
+
+Such reflections did not help to make my position more comfortable, and
+it was painful enough in itself without them. It was certain, however,
+that complaint or sorrow could be of no service, and might be just the
+contrary, as the indulging in either would, probably, prevent my doing
+what was necessary to try and save myself should an opportunity offer.
+
+The grey light, in the meantime, had become warmer and warmer in its
+tone, until the face of every cloud towards the east was tinged with
+gold. While I was admiring the beautiful sight, for it was so beautiful
+that it made me forget for a time my sad position, my eyes were caught
+by the shining arch of the rising sun, as it sprang all of a sudden above
+the surface of the sea. Oh! never shall I forget the view! Between me and
+the brilliant orb lay a pathway of gold, which rose, and fell, and
+glittered, and got at last so broad and dazzling, that my eyes could look
+at it no longer. I knew it was but the sun's light upon the water, but it
+looked so firm, that I could almost fancy I should be able to spring upon
+it, and run on and on until I reached some friendly country. But alas!
+there seemed little chance of such a thing happening as my ever reaching
+land again.
+
+As the sun got high up, and poured his rays on to the sea, I began to
+feel a craving for food, and, though surrounded with water, yet the want
+of some to drink. When the thirst came upon me, I at first lapped up a
+few drops of the sea-water with avidity, but I soon found that it was not
+fit to drink, and that the little I had taken only made my thirst the
+greater. In the midst of my suffering, a poor bird came fluttering
+heavily along, as if his wings were scarce able to support his weight.
+Every little object was interesting to me just then, and as I sat upon my
+piece of timber I looked up at the trembling creature, and began
+comparing his fate with my own. "Ah, Job," I said, half-aloud, "you
+thought, perhaps, that you were the only unhappy being in the world. Look
+at that poor fowl; there he is, far away from land, from his home, from
+his friends, perhaps his little ones (for many birds have large
+families), with tired wings, and not a piece of ground as broad as his
+own tail for him to rest upon. He must go on, fatigued though he may be,
+for if he fall, nothing can prevent his death; the water will pour among
+his feathers, clog his wings, and not only prevent him ever rising more
+into the air, but pull him down until his life is gone. So, Job, badly
+off as you are just now, there is another, as you see, whose fate is
+worse; and who shall say that in other places, where your eye cannot
+reach, there are not others yet so very, very miserable, that they would
+willingly, oh! how willingly! change places with you, or with that poor
+fluttering bird?"
+
+This talk with myself quieted me for a time, and I felt a certain joy
+when I saw the bird slowly descend, and having spied my uncomfortable
+boat, perch heavily on the other end of it. He did not do so until he had
+looked at me with evident alarm; and, worn out as he was, and his heart
+beating as though it would burst through his yellow coat, he still kept
+his eyes fixed upon me, ready to take wing and resume his journey,
+wherever he might be going, at the least motion I should make.
+
+Some time passed over in this way; myself in the middle, and Dicky at the
+end of the beam. We did not say a word to each other; for, as I spoke no
+other language but my own, and he seemed about as clever as myself, we
+merely talked with our eyes.
+
+A thought now came into my head. My thirst returned, and I felt very
+hungry. What if I should suddenly dart on little Dicky, and make a meal
+of him? I did not consider at the instant that, by so doing, I should be
+acting a very base part, for Dicky had placed confidence in me; and
+killing him for trusting to my honour, and eating him because he was poor
+and unfortunate, would be neither a good return nor a kind action.
+Luckily for Dicky, and even for myself, although he was not able to speak
+foreign languages, he could read my meaning in my eyes; for when I turned
+them slowly towards him, just to see my distance, he took alarm, and rose
+into the air with a swiftness which I envied. I am sorry to say my only
+thought at first was the having lost my dinner: but as I watched him
+through the air, flying on and on, until he diminished to a misty speck,
+and then disappeared, my better feelings came back to me and said, "Oh,
+Job! I would not have believed this of you!" "But," replied my empty
+stomach, "I am so hungry; without food, I shall fall in, and Job will
+die." "Let Job die," said my better self again, in a cold, firm tone;
+"let Job rather die, than do what he would live to feel ashamed of."
+
+As the day wore on, I began to think that death only could relieve me;
+and the thought was very, very painful. Nothing before and around but the
+salt waves--nothing above but the blue sky and hot sun--not even a cloud
+on which to rest my aching eyes. The want of water which I could drink
+was now becoming terrible. When I thought of it, my head began to turn;
+my brain seemed to be on fire; and the public basins of Caneville, where
+only the lowest curs used to quench their thirst, danced before me to add
+to my torture; for I thought, though I despised them once, how I could
+give treasures of gold for one good draught at the worst of them just
+then.
+
+There is not a misfortune happens to us from which we may not derive good
+if our hearts are not quite hardened, and our minds not totally
+impenetrable. Great as my sufferings were during this incident of my
+life, I learnt from it much that has been useful to me in after years.
+But even if it had taught me no other truth than that we should despise
+nothing which is good and wholesome, merely because it is ordinary, I
+should not have passed through those sad hours in vain. We dogs are so
+apt, when in prosperity, to pamper our appetites, and, commonly speaking,
+to turn up our noses at simple food, that we require, from time to time,
+to be reminded on how little canine life can be preserved. All have not
+had the advantage of the lesson which I was blessed with; for it _was_ a
+blessing; one that has so impressed itself on my memory, that sometimes
+when I fancy I cannot eat anything that is put before me, because it is
+too much done, or not done enough, or has some other real or supposed
+defect, I say to myself, "Job, Job, what would you have given for a tiny
+bit of the worst part of it when you were at sea?" And then I take it at
+once, and find it excellent.
+
+As the sun got lower, clouds, the same in shape that had welcomed him in
+the morning, rose up from the sea as if to show their pleasure at his
+return. He sunk into the midst of them and disappeared; and then the
+clouds came up and covered all the sky. I suffered less in the cool
+evening air, and found with pleasure that it was growing into a breeze.
+My pleasure soon got greater still, for, with the wind, I felt some drops
+of rain! The first fell upon my burning nose; but the idea of fresh water
+was such a piece of good fortune, that I dared not give loose to my joy
+until the drops began to fall thickly on and around me, and there was a
+heavy shower. I could scarcely give my rough coat time to get thoroughly
+wet before I began sucking at it. It was not nice at first, being mixed
+with the salt spray by which I had been so often covered; but as the rain
+still came down, the taste was fresher every moment, and soon got most
+delicious. I seemed to recover strength as I licked my dripping breast
+and shoulders; and though evening changed to dark night, and the rain was
+followed by a strong wind, which got more and more fierce, and appeared
+to drive me and my friendly log over the waves as if we had been bits of
+straw, I felt no fear, but clung to the timber, and actually gave way to
+hope.
+
+I must have slept again, for daylight was once more in the sky when I
+unclosed my eyes. Where was I now? My sight was dim, and though I could
+see there was no longer darkness, I could make out nothing else. Was I
+still on the rolling water? Surely not; for I felt no motion. I passed my
+paw quickly across my eyes to brush away the mist which covered them. I
+roused myself. The beam of wood was still beneath me, but my legs surely
+touched the ground! My sight came back to me, and showed me, true, the
+sea stretching on, on, on, in the distance, but showed me also that
+_I_--oh, joy!--_I_ had reached the shore!
+
+When my mind was able to believe the truth, I sprang on to the solid land
+with a cry which rings in my ears even now. What though my weakness was
+so great that I tumbled over on to the beach and filled my mouth with
+sand? I could have licked every blade of grass, every stone, in my
+ecstacy; and when forced to lie down from inability to stand upon my
+legs, I drove my paws into the earth, and held up portions to my face, to
+convince myself that I was indeed on shore. I did not trouble myself much
+with questions as to how I got there. I did not puzzle my brain to
+inquire whether the wind which had risen the evening before, and which I
+felt driving me on so freely, had at length chased me to the land. All I
+seemed to value was the fact that I was indeed _there_; and all I could
+persuade myself to say or think was the single, blessed word, SAVED!
+
+I must have lain some time upon the sand before I tried again to move,
+for when I scrambled on to my legs the sun was high and hot--so hot, that
+it had completely dried my coat, and made me wish for shelter. Dragging
+myself with some trouble to a mound of earth, green and sparkling with
+grass and flowers, I managed to get on top of it; and when I had
+recovered from the effort, for I was very weak, looked about me with
+curiosity to observe the place where I had been thrown.
+
+The ground was level close to where I stood, but at a little distance it
+rose into gentle grassy hills, with short bushes here and there; and just
+peeping over them, were the tops of trees still farther off, with
+mountains beyond, of curious forms and rich blue colour.
+
+While considering this prospect, I suddenly observed an animal on one of
+the hills coming towards me, and I lay down at full length on the grass
+to examine who he might be. As he drew nearer, I was surprised at his
+form and look (I afterwards learnt that he was called an ape), and
+thought I had never beheld so queer a being. He had a stick in his right
+hand, and a bundle in his left, and kept his eyes fixed on the ground as
+he walked along.
+
+When he was quite close, I rose again, to ask him where I could procure
+food and water, of which I felt great want. The motion startled him; and
+stepping back, he took his stick in both hands as if to protect himself.
+The next moment he put it down, and coming up to me, to my surprise
+addressed me in my own language, by inquiring how I came there. My
+astonishment was so great at first that I could not reply; and when I did
+speak, it was to ask him how it happened that he used my language. To
+this he answered, that he had been a great traveller in his day, and
+among other places had visited my city, where he had studied and been
+treated kindly for a long time; that he loved dogs, and should be only
+too happy now to return some of the favours he had received. This speech
+opened my heart; but before he would let me say more, he untied his
+bundle, and spread what it contained before me. As there were several
+savoury morsels, you may believe I devoured them with great
+appetite--indeed, I hope Master Ximio's opinion of me was not formed from
+the greediness with which I ate up his provisions.
+
+After I had refreshed myself at a spring of water, we sat down, and I
+told him my story. He heard me patiently to the end, when, after a pause,
+he exclaimed--
+
+"Come, Job, come with me. A few days' rest will restore your strength,
+and you can return to your own city. It is not a long journey over land;
+and with stout limbs like those, you will soon be able to get back and
+lick old Nip again."
+
+I need not dwell upon this part of my story, although I could fill many
+pages with the narration of Master Ximio's dwelling, and above all of his
+kindness; he kept me two or three days at his house, and would have
+detained me much longer, but, besides that I was anxious to return to
+Nip, I felt certain pains in my limbs, which made me wish to get back to
+Caneville, as I did not like the idea of troubling my good friend with
+the care of a sick dog. He was so kind-hearted, however, and showed me
+such attention, that I was afraid to say anything about my aches, lest he
+should insist on keeping me. He seemed to think it was quite natural I
+should desire to get home; and when he saw my impatience to depart, he
+assisted to get me ready.
+
+Having supplied me with everything I could want on my journey, and
+pressed upon me many gifts besides, he led me by a little path through
+the wood, until we came to the sea. "Along this shore," he said, "your
+road lies. Follow the winding of the coast until you reach the mouth of a
+broad river, the waters of which empty themselves into the sea. That
+river is the same which runs through your city. Keep along its banks and
+you will shortly arrive at Caneville, where I hope you may find
+everything you wish--for I am sure you wish nothing that is unreasonable.
+If pleasure awaits you there, do not, in the midst of it, forget Ximio.
+If, against my hopes, you should find yourself unhappy, remember there is
+a home always open to you here, and a friend who will do his best to
+make you forget sorrow. Farewell!"
+
+I was greatly moved at his words and the memory of his kindness. We
+licked each other tenderly--murmured something, which meant a good deal
+more than it expressed--and then we parted. I turned my head often as I
+went, and each time beheld Ximio waving his hand in the air; at last a
+dip in the ground hid him from my sight, and I continued my journey
+alone.
+
+It was fortunate I had been well furnished with provisions by my good
+friend, for as I proceeded, I found the pains in my limbs so great that I
+could scarce drag one leg after the other, and should probably have died
+of hunger, as I had no strength left to procure food, and did not meet
+with any more Ximios to assist me had I stood in need. With long rests,
+from which I rose each time with greater difficulty,--with increasing
+anxiety as I drew near my home, to learn all that had taken place during
+my absence,--and yet with legs which almost refused to carry me; after
+many days that seemed to have grown into months,--they were so full of
+care and suffering,--I toiled up a hill, which had, I thought, the power
+of getting steeper as I ascended. At length I reached the top, and to my
+joy discovered the well-known city of Caneville, lying in the plain
+beneath me. The sight gave me strength again. I at once resumed my
+journey, and trotted down the hill at a pace which surprised myself. As I
+got warm with my exertions, the stiffness seemed by degrees to leave my
+limbs; I ran, I bounded along, over grass and stone through broad patches
+of mud which showed too plainly to what height the river had lately
+risen, out of breath, yet with a spirit that would not let me flag, I
+still flew on, nor slackened my speed until I had got to the first few
+houses of the town. There I stopped indeed, and fell; for it then seemed
+as if my bones were all breaking asunder. My eyes grew dim; strange
+noises sounded in my ears; and though I fancied I could distinguish
+voices which I knew, I could neither see nor speak; I thought it was my
+dying hour.
+
+From the mouths of Nip and others I learnt all which then occurred, and
+all that had passed after my supposed loss on the night of the
+inundation. How my noble conduct (for so they were kind enough to call
+it, though I only tried to do my duty, and failed) had been made known to
+the great dogs of Caneville, and how they had sought after me to thank me
+for it;--how they had offered rewards to those who assisted in my
+recovery;--how, when it was supposed that I was dead, they took Nip from
+our modest home, and placed him in this present house, fitted with
+everything that could make him comfortable for life;--how, when all hope
+was gone, my unexpected appearance brought a crowd about me, each one
+anxious to assist me in my distress, though some maliciously said, in
+order to lay claim to the reward;--and how I was finally brought again to
+my senses through the care of our clever canine doctors, and the kind
+nursing of dear old Nip.
+
+It was long, however, before I recovered my legs sufficiently to be able
+to use them without support. My long exposure at sea, the want of food,
+and the trouble I had gone through, during my involuntary voyage, had all
+assisted to weaken me. But my anxiety to enjoy the fresh air again, took
+me out into the streets directly it was thought safe for me to do so, and
+with a pair of crutches beneath my arms, I managed to creep about.
+
+Never shall I forget the first time this pleasure was allowed me. The
+morning was so fresh and bright; the sun shone so gaily upon the houses;
+the river, now reduced to its usual size, ran so cheerily along, that I
+got into my old habit, and began to think they were all talking to me and
+bidding me welcome after my long illness. Kind words were soon said to me
+in right earnest, for before I had got half-way down the street, with old
+Nip just behind me,--his hat still adorned with the band which he had
+unwillingly put on when he thought me dead and gone, and which he had
+forgotten to take off again,--the puppies ran from different quarters to
+look up in my face and say, "How do you do, Job? I hope you are better,
+Job." Many a polite dog took off his hat to bid me good morrow; and
+praises more than I deserved, but which I heard with pleasure, came
+softly to my ear, as I hobbled slowly along. Nip told me afterwards, that
+there had been another in the crowd who kept a little back, and who,
+though she said nothing, seemed to be more glad to see me than all the
+rest. I had not seen her, nor did he mention her name, but that was not
+necessary. My heart seemed to tell me that it could only have been Fida.
+
+[Illustration: A WORTHY SUBJECT]
+
+
+
+
+DUTY.
+
+
+The idle life which I was compelled to spend gave me time for reflection,
+and I believe my mind was more active during the few months my body was
+on crutches than it had been for years previous. My thoughts received
+little interruption from Nip, who, after having recounted the events
+which had taken place during my absence, had little more to say. The
+kindness of the great city dogs having removed all fear of want, or even
+the necessity of labour, from our comfortable home, produced at first a
+pleasing effect upon me; but as my strength returned, and I managed to
+walk about the room without assistance, a desire for active employment
+became quite necessary to my happiness.
+
+"What have I done, Nip?" I would often say, as I took my usual exercise
+in our modest parlour; "what have I done, Nip, that I should be clothed,
+and fed, and housed, without labouring for such advantages, like the rest
+of dog-kind? These paws, large and strong as they are, were never
+intended for idleness; this back, broad as it is, was meant for some
+other purpose than to show off a fine coat; this brain, which can reflect
+and admire and resolve, had not such capabilities given to it in order
+that they might be wasted in a life of ease. Work, Nip, work; such work
+as a dog _can_ do should be sought after and done, for nothing can be
+more shocking than to see an animal's powers, either of body or mind,
+wasted away in idleness."
+
+Nip replied but little, although he winked his eyes very vigorously. I
+was used to his manner now, and could understand his meaning without the
+necessity of words. Both his looks and gestures told me that he thought
+as I did, and I only waited till I could use my own legs freely, to set
+about a resolution I had been forming in my mind.
+
+It was a happy day when I could again mix in the bustle of the streets,
+and find my strength once more restored. The first use I made of it was
+to go to the great house where the chief dogs of Caneville are accustomed
+to sit during a certain time of the day to judge matters relating to the
+city. When I arrived, they were almost alone, and I was therefore able to
+present myself without delay, and explain my business.
+
+I began by thanking them for what they had done for me and my old friend
+Nip, in providing us with a house and with so many comforts. I told them,
+although the goodness of Nip rendered him worthy of every attention, as
+he had grown old in a useful and laborious life, I had no such claims. I
+was still young--my strength had come back to me--I had no right to eat
+the food of idleness where so many dogs, more deserving than I, were
+often in want of a bone, but whose modesty prevented them making known
+their necessities. I would still thankfully enjoy the home, which the
+kindness of the great animals of Caneville had furnished me, but they
+must permit me to work for it--they must permit me to do something which
+might be useful to the city in return, for I should devour the fare
+provided for me with a great deal more appetite, if I could say to myself
+when I felt hungry, "Job, brother Job, eat your dinner, for you have
+_earned_ it."
+
+The assembly of dogs heard me with great attention to the end; not a bark
+interrupted my little speech, not a movement disturbed my attention. I
+was pleased to see that tails wagged with approbation when I had
+concluded, and was charmed to hear the chief among them, who was white
+with age, express himself _delighted_, yes, that was the word, delighted
+with my spirit.
+
+"We are pleased, Job," he said, at the end of his reply, "we are pleased
+to observe that there are yet _true dogs_ in Caneville; there have been
+animals calling themselves so, whose character was so base, and whose
+manner was so cringing, that they have brought disrepute upon the name;
+and we are sorry to say that in many countries the title of a _dog_ is
+given to the vilest and most worthless creatures. All the finer qualities
+of our race have been lost sight of, because a few among us have been
+mean or wicked; and a whole nation has been pointed at with scorn,
+because some of its members have acted badly. We are happy, Job, to find
+in you a 'worthy subject,' and we shall be glad to give you all
+assistance in choosing an occupation in which you may employ your time,
+and be of use to your fellow-creatures."
+
+I should not have repeated this to you, as it is not, perhaps, necessary
+for my story, but that I wished to correct an error, which many have
+made, concerning the character of this very dog. He has been described by
+several as cold, and proud, and sometimes cruel; and yet to me he was
+warm, and friendly, and most kind. Do not you think when we hear animals
+grumbling against their fellows, it would be just as well to think who
+the grumblers are, before we form our opinions? or, at least, hear the
+opinions of many before we decide ourselves?
+
+I need not tell you all that passed between us, and what was said by this
+dog and by that, about the choice of my occupation. It was agreed at last
+that I should be appointed chief of the Caneville police, as the place
+had become vacant through the death of a fine old mastiff some days
+previous. I wonder whether he was a relation of my own, for I have
+already told you my mother belonged to that great family. He had received
+some severe wounds when trying to capture a fierce beast of the name of
+Lupo, the terror of the city, and he had died from the effects of them in
+spite of all the care of the doctors. What made the matter worse, was the
+fact that Lupo was yet at liberty, and many dogs were afraid to go out
+at night for fear of meeting with this terrible animal.
+
+To tell the truth, I was rather pleased than otherwise that Lupo had
+still to be taken. It was agreeable to me to think that work, difficult
+work, was to be done, and that _I_ was called upon to do it. I felt proud
+at the idea that the animals of the great city of Caneville would look up
+to me, _to me_, poor Job, as the dog chosen to releive them of their
+fears, and restore security to their streets. "Job," I cried out to
+myself, in a firm tone, "Job, here is a chance of being useful to your
+country; let no danger, no fear, even of death, stop you in the good
+work. Job, you are called upon to perform a duty, and let nothing, mind
+_nothing_, turn you from it."
+
+After I had become acquainted with all the dogs who were under my
+command, I spent much time each day in exercising them, and in
+endeavouring by kind words, and by my own example, to make them attend
+strictly to their work. I was pleased to observe that I succeeded. Some,
+who were pointed out to me as difficult to manage, became my most
+faithful followers, and I had not been two months in my employment before
+all were so devoted to me, that I believe they would have died to serve
+me.
+
+In all this time, nothing had been heard of the terrible Lupo, and all my
+inquiries procured no information concerning where he was to be found. I
+learned that he was not a native of Caneville, although his father once
+belonged to the city. He was born in a country beyond the great wood, and
+his mother came from a fierce tribe of wolves, who, although they a
+little resemble dogs in appearance, and speak a very similar language,
+are much more ferocious, and seem to look upon the whole canine family as
+natural enemies.
+
+The opinion began to spread in Caneville that Lupo had at length left the
+city, and the inhabitants, by degrees, recovered their usual quiet; when,
+suddenly, the alarm spread more widely than before; as, two nights in
+succession, some rich dogs were robbed and ill-treated, and one of them
+was lamed by the ferocity of the chief of the terrible band who had
+attacked them, and whose description convinced me it was Lupo.
+
+These accounts caused me much pain, as I had neither been able to prevent
+the attacks, nor discover the animals who had made them. In my desire to
+find out and capture the robbers, I could scarcely take food or rest. I
+managed to sleep a little in the day-time, and at night, dressed in the
+simplest manner, so as to excite no attention, I wandered quietly from
+street to street, stopping to listen to the slightest noise, and going in
+any direction that I heard a murmur. One or two of my dogs generally
+followed at a distance, ready to assist me if I called for help.
+
+It was a fine night. The moon and stars were brilliant in the sky, and
+made the blue all the deeper from their own bright rays. I had been
+already two hours crawling through the lower parts of the city, and was
+mounting the hill which led to a fine building where my steps often
+carried me--sometimes without my intending it--in order to watch over the
+safety of those who slept within. It was the house of Fida--that Fida who
+had been to me so kind, so tender; that Fida, who so patiently softened
+down my rudeness, and had tried to teach me to know what was good by
+letting me become her friend.
+
+I had nearly reached the top of the hill, and paused an instant to
+observe the bright light and dark shadows which the house displayed, as
+the moon fell upon it, or some portion of the building interposed.
+Profound sleep had fallen upon the city. The river might be seen from the
+spot where I was standing, running swiftly along; and so deep was the
+silence that you could even hear the gush of the water as it fretted
+round some large stones in the centre of the stream.
+
+Suddenly there rose into the air from the ground above me, the sharp,
+clear howl of a female voice, and at the same instant the sound of a
+rattle broke upon my ear as a signal of alarm. I sprang up the few feet
+which were between me and the house with the speed of lightning, and
+turning rapidly the corner of the building, reached the principal
+entrance. One look told me everything: at an upper window, in a loose
+dress, was Fida herself, springing the rattle which she held in her paw,
+with a strength that fear alone could have given her; and below, where I
+myself stood, were four or five dogs differently engaged, but evidently
+trying to get into the house.
+
+A kick from my right leg sent one of them to the ground, and, with my
+clenched paw, I struck a blow at the second. Never do I remember feeling
+such strength within me, such a resolution to attack twenty dogs if it
+were necessary, although the next minute I might be torn in pieces. I
+have sometimes asked myself whether the presence of Fida had anything to
+do with it, or if a sense of duty only inspired me. I have never been
+able to reply to the question in a satisfactory manner. I only know that
+the fact was as I say, and that the blow I gave was surprising even to
+myself; my paw caught the animal precisely under his chin, and sent him
+flying backwards, with his nose in the air and his hat behind him; and as
+the moon shone brilliantly upon his upturned face, I recognised the
+features described to me as those of Lupo. He lay so still upon the
+ground that I thought he must be killed; so, leaving him for a moment, I
+pursued some others who were running off in the distance, but did not
+succeed in catching them. I said a few cheering words to Fida at the
+window, and returned to the spot of my encounter with Lupo; but instead
+of that terrible beast, found some of my own followers, the father of
+Fida, and one or two servants, who had been roused by the tumult, and had
+come out to learn the cause. Lupo was nowhere to be seen. He had either
+partly recovered from the blow, and had managed to crawl away, or had
+been dragged off by some of his troop.
+
+Nothing could have been more fortunate to me than this night's adventure.
+The father of Fida, who had seen the attack from his window, was the head
+of one of the best families of dogs in Caneville, and being, besides,
+very rich, he enjoyed great power. He was so pleased with what I had
+done, that he not only took a great liking to me himself, but he spoke
+of my conduct in the highest terms to the great assembly. I received
+public thanks; I was admitted to the honour which I now hold, that of
+forming one of the second assembly of the city; I was loaded with rich
+presents, and equally rich praise; and I may also date from that night,
+the obtaining the richest gift of all, the gift which has made the
+happiness of my best years; I mean the possession of my wife, the
+beautiful Fida.
+
+[Illustration: A SEVERE BLOW]
+
+It is true that I did not procure that felicity at once. There were many
+difficulties to be got over before the noble spaniel would think of
+allowing his daughter to become the wife of plain Mr. Job. His son, also,
+of whom I have spoken previously, could not bear, at first, the idea of
+his sister not marrying some one as noble as herself, and thought, very
+naturally, that she was far too good to have her fortunes united with
+mine. Fida herself, however, was so firm, and yet so tender; so
+straightforward, and yet so modest, that she finally broke down all
+opposition. She persuaded her father that no title could be more noble
+than the one I had acquired, that of "Honest Job;" she won over her
+brother, by slily asking him, which among his grand companions could have
+met a whole band of fierce dogs, with Lupo at their head, and,
+single-pawed, could have conquered them all? By degrees, every objection
+was cleared away, and Fida became mine.
+
+The chief interest of my life terminates here; for although, in my
+position as head of the police, I had many other adventures, they were
+too much alike, and of too common an order, to be worth relating. Before
+I close, however, I must mention a circumstance which occurred shortly
+after my battle with the robbers, as it is curious in itself, and refers
+to an animal of whom I have before spoken.
+
+I was quietly walking along a bye-street of Caneville, when a miserable,
+thin, little puppy came behind me, and gently pulled my coat. On turning
+round to ask him what he wanted, he begged me in the most imploring tone
+to come and see his father, who was very ill.
+
+"And who is your father, little pup?" I inquired.
+
+"His name is Lupo," said the thin dog, in a trembling voice.
+
+"Lupo!" I cried out in surprise. "But do you not know who I am, and that
+I am forced to be your father's greatest enemy?"
+
+"I know, I know," the pup replied; "but father told me to come and seek
+_you_, for that you were good, and would not harm him, if you knew he was
+so miserable." And here the little dog began howling in a way which moved
+me.
+
+"Go on," I said, after a moment; "go on; I will follow you."
+
+As the little dog ran before, through some of the low and miserable parts
+of the city, the idea once came into my head that perhaps this was a
+scheme of Lupo's to get me into his power. But the puppy's grief had been
+too real to allow me to believe, young as he was, that he could be acting
+a part; so with a stout resolution I went forward.
+
+We arrived at a low and dirty kennel, where only the greatest misery
+could bear to live. We passed through a hole, for so it appeared, rather
+than a doorway, and I found myself in a little room, lit by a break in
+the wall. On the single poor bed lay a wretched object, gasping for
+breath, while a ragged pup, somewhat older than my little guide, had
+buried his face in the clothes at the bottom of the bed. Three other tiny
+creatures, worn to the bone with poverty and want of food, came crowding
+round me, in a way that was piteous to behold; and with their looks, not
+words, for they said nothing, asked me to do something for their
+miserable parent. I procured from a neighbouring tavern a bason of broth
+with which I succeeded in reviving the once terrible Lupo; but it was
+only a flash before life departed for ever. In broken words, he
+recommended to my care the poor little objects round. Bad as he was, he
+still had feeling for them, and it was easy to observe that at this sad
+moment his thoughts were more of _them_ than of himself; for when I
+promised to protect them, he pressed my paw with his remaining strength
+to his hot lips, moaned faintly, and expired.
+
+[Illustration: CONSOLATION]
+
+My tale is over. Would that it had been more entertaining, more
+instructive. But the incidents of my career have been few, and my path,
+with the one or two exceptions I have described, has been a smooth one. I
+have heard it said that no history of a life, however simple, is without
+its lesson. If it be so, then perhaps some good may be derived from mine.
+If it teach the way to avoid an error, or correct a fault; if any portion
+of it win a smile from a sad heart, or awake a train of serious thought
+in a gay one, my dog's tale will not have been unfolded in vain.
+
+THE END.
+
+London; Thomas Harrild, Printer, 13, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street.
+
+
+
+
+NEW JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S NEW TWO-SHILLING PRESENT OR GIFT-BOOKS,
+
+_In Fcap. 8vo, cloth gilt, with Illustrations by GILBERT, WARREN,
+CORBOULD, &c.; or with gilt edges, price Two Shillings and Sixpence._
+
+LIST OF THE SERIES, VIZ.:
+
+  1. TALES FOR MY CHILDREN.                                  GUIZOT.
+  2. TEN MORAL TALES.                                        GUIZOT.
+  3. JUVENILE TALES & STORIES.                             M'INTOSH.
+  4. CONQUEST & SELF-CONQUEST.                             M'INTOSH.
+  5. EVENING AT DONALDSON MANOR.                           M'INTOSH.
+  6. PRAISE AND PRINCIPLE.                                 M'INTOSH.
+  7. GRACE AND ISABEL.                                     M'INTOSH.
+  8. CHARMS & COUNTER-CHARMS.                              M'INTOSH.
+  9. GERTRUDE AND EULALIE.                                    HULSE.
+  10. ROBERT AND HAROLD.                                       ANON.
+  11. STORY OF AN APPLE.                                   CAMPBELL.
+  12. CABIN BY THE WAYSIDE.                                CAMPBELL.
+  13. MEMOIRS OF A DOLL.                                     BESSET.
+  14. THE BLACK PRINCESS.                                    BESSET.
+  15. EMIGRANT'S LOST SON.                               G. H. WALL.
+  16. ROBINSON THE YOUNGER.                                    HICK.
+  18. AMY CARLTON; OR, FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL.          ANON.
+  19. LAURA AND ELLEN.                                        ALLEN.
+  20. ROBINSON CRUSOE.                                        DEFOE.
+  23. LAURA TEMPLE.                                          BOWMAN.
+  24. LITTLE FOUNDLING.                                 MRS. MYRTLE.
+  25. SPIRIT OF THE HOLLY.                                MRS. OWEN.
+  26. POETRY OF THE BEST AUTHORS.                            BOWMAN.
+  27. HARRY AND HIS HOMES.                                     ANON.
+  28. VIOLET.                                              M'INTOSH.
+  29. THE LAMPLIGHTER.                                      CUMMINS.
+  30. THE LOFTY AND LOWLY.                                 M'INTOSH.
+  31. OUR NATIVE LAND.                                       WILSON.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S TWO-AND-SIXPENNY REWARD OR GIFT-BOOKS.
+
+_Or, with gilt edges, price Three Shillings. Fcap. 8vo. Illustrated by
+the best artists. Cloth extra, and gilt._
+
+  1. ARBELL. By JANE W. HOOPER. Illustrated by GODWIN.
+  2. EDA MORTON AND HER COUSINS. By M. BELL. Illustrated by BIRKET FOSTER.
+  3. ALLEN'S LIFE OF NELSON. With Steel Portrait.
+  4. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF WELLINGTON. Illustrated by JOHN GILBERT.
+  5. MACFARLANE'S LIFE OF MARLBOROUGH. Illustrated by JOHN GILBERT.
+  6. OSLER'S LIFE OF LORD EXMOUTH. With Steel Portrait and Maps.
+  7. GILBERT THE ADVENTURER. By PETER PARLEY. With Engravings.
+  8. KALOOLAH: OR, AFRICAN ADVENTURES. With Coloured Plates.
+
+
+ROUTLEDGE'S EIGHTEENPENNY JUVENILES.
+
+_Square 16mo, cloth gilt. Illustrated by John Gilbert, Absolon, Foster,
+etc._
+
+  1. Peasant and the Prince, by Harriet Martineau.
+  2. Crofton Boys, by Harriet Martineau.
+  3. Feats on the Fiord, by Harriet Martineau.
+  4. Settlers at Home, by Harriet Martineau.
+  5. Holiday Ramblers, or the School Vacation, by Elizabeth Grant.
+  6. Little Drummer, a Tale of the Russian War.
+  7. Frank, by Maria Edgeworth.
+  8. Rosamond, by Maria Edgeworth.
+  9. Harry and Lucy, Little Dog Trusty, The Cherry Orchard, etc. by Maria
+     Edgeworth.
+  10. A Hero, or Philip's Book, by the author of Olive.
+
+LONDON: GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO., FARRINGDON STREET.
+
+
+  Transcriber's notes:
+
+  No changes to the original spelling were made.
+
+  The following duplicated words were corrected.
+  Page 16: who who corrected to who.
+  Page 44: near near corrected to near.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good
+Dog Too, by Alfred Elwes
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