A LASTING LESSON. 31 



The liquor had been just poured into the plate, and 

 he was preparing to seize it, when I added, unseen, 

 a piece of lighted paper ; the brandy blazed imme- 

 diately. Kees screamed and chattered, running 

 away as fast as possible ; it was in vain I called and 

 endeavoured to coax him, for, being too angry to be 

 easily pacified, he left us and went to his bed. The 

 night was far advanced, and, after receiving the 

 thanks of my people, all retired to rest. I must 

 add, that fear had so completely taken possession 

 of poor Kees that I could never succeed in making 

 him forget what had happened, nor could I again 

 prevail upon him to taste his formerly favourite 

 liquor. Sometimes my men would tease him by 

 showing him the brandy bottle, which was always 

 enough to make him chatter and grind his teeth." 

 Of this animal Le Yaillant tells many an amus- 

 ing story. He was very familiar and much attached 

 to his master, who made him his taster ; fruits, 

 seeds, or roots, which Kees rejected, being infallibly 

 unwholesome. His extreme vigilance rendered him 

 an invaluable safeguard both day and night ; the 

 approach of danger roused him in an instant, and, 

 before the dogs suspected the enemy was at hand, 

 this faithful guardian, by his cries and frightened 

 gestures, gave due warning. Le Vaillant says, " I 

 often took him shooting with me. What gambols ! 

 what expressions of delight as he leaned upon and 



