FROM THE " SPEC TA TOR'' 1 39 



two chickens from the stable-yard wandered 

 into the apartment where the dog and pigeon 

 reside, he very promptly bit their heads off, 

 as if in mute intimation that one bird is 

 company, and two (or rather three) are none. 



The story is rather one of a pigeon than 

 a dog, for it is quite evident that she is the 

 devoted friend, and that he acquiesces in 

 the friendship. On the days when Fop is 

 taken, to his infinite delight, on to the moor, 

 the pigeon is much concerned. She follows 

 him as far as she dare, taking a series of 

 short flights over his head, until a little wood 

 is reached, through which the keeper and 

 dogs have to take their way. At this point 

 her courage fails her, and she returns to the 

 stable, to wait hopefully for her comrade's 

 return. 



This singular alliance is a great joy and 

 interest to the keepers, coachmen, and grooms 

 of the establishment, and as the keeper gave 

 me a strong hint that the story ought to be 

 told in print, adding that he had seen much 

 less noteworthy incidents of animal life pro- 

 moted to such honour, I have ventured to 



