34 



DOG STORIES 



another, which friendship gave rise to the 

 anecdote I am about to relate. Returning 

 to my hotel about midnight from the house 

 of a friend, I was not a little startled at find- 

 ing my hand suddenly seized from behind by 

 a dog, which, however, I at once recognised 

 as my handsome acquaintance, Sweep. I 

 patted him, at the same time endeavouring 

 to withdraw the hand which he held firmly, 

 but gently, between his teeth. It was of no 

 use, as, in spite of all my endearments, he 

 insisted on retaining his hold, wriggling along 

 by my side, and vigorously wagging his tail, 

 as though he would say, " Don't be afraid ; 

 it's all right." We soon reached a point in 

 the main street down which we were walk- 

 ing, where a side avenue branched off 

 towards the river. My way lay right ahead. 

 Sweep, however, insisted on my taking 

 the road which lay at a right-angle to my 

 course. I felt some annoyance at his per- 

 sistence, as I was both tired and sleepy; 

 but, having no choice in the matter, I 

 followed his lead. Having walked some two 

 or three hundred yards down his street, he 



