220 Daniel Pratt 



storm, and so I made my way across the avenue to 

 where the man was standing. 



4 Is there anything the matter ? ' I inquired. 



The man, who was well dressed, looked at me 

 with a mind-your-own-business expression, and went 

 on shaking his fists at the dog. 



'Has the dog stolen anything?' I again inquired. 



4 No, he has not,' was the reply, 4 but I 'm not 

 going to have him following me around all the 

 while, besides costing me a small fortune to feed 

 him.' 



' And so you are trying to get rid of him, are 

 you ? ' 



1 That 's it exactly,' he replied ; ' he can go to 

 the devil.' 



4 He will unquestionably meet you there,' I said, 

 with a strong effort to control myself. 



The man glared at me fiercely, but the coward 

 instinct which exists in all cruel natures checked his 

 bravado, and his eyes fell. 



4 I advise you to return home and pray for 

 mercy ; you will need it soon enough,' I exclaimed. 

 4 As for this poor creature which the Almighty has 



