244 DOG STORIES 



to see and hear. What he meant by it we 

 could never find out, but I question whether 

 he prized any of his accomplishments more 

 than this. 



Sometimes, but not often, he would go out 

 by himself to take a walk, we supposed to 

 see his friends, for I never heard that he had 

 any love affairs. If we all, or my daughters, 

 or myself, met him on his return, I, or they, 

 or we all might call to him, notice him as he 

 brushed past us, or ask him to come for a 

 walk. No. He would have none of our 

 company ; he would cut us dead, and go 

 toddling home, his tail more erect and 

 quivering than ever ; never hastening his 

 sedate pace, and giving his usual kick-out 

 with one hind leg every third or fourth step, 

 as was his custom. He would have no connec- 

 tion with us ; that was quite clear and decided. 

 Sprig was very fond, too, of a walk with his 

 mistresses or with me, and, though never 

 taught it, would always wipe his feet clean 

 on the hall mat as he came in. I am now 

 going to relate an anecdote of Sprig which 

 I know is almost beyond credibility, but the 



