278 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



to punish the thief. The old cocker showed at this time 

 unmistakable signs of exhaustion and fear, and was un- 

 questionably repentant. "Jim's" brogans were once more 

 at the dog's caudal extremity, when he suddenly dodged 

 aside and endeavored to reach the cover of the woods ; but 

 he was too completely exhausted to accomplish this object. 

 He dropped to the ground and looked imploringly into 

 "Jim's" eyes for mercy; but "Jim" heeded not the implor- 

 ing looks and cringing attitude of the old rascal. He had 

 him by the nape of the neck, and promptly administered 

 the well-merited punishment. The old dog fairly yelled 

 with pain, and "Jim" yelled back to him, ''Steal the boys 

 bird, will you ? I will teach you honesty. I will, you old 

 rascal r 



The whole scene had been watched by the boy and 

 myself. The comical part played by the actors can be 

 more easily imagined than described. It caused peal after 

 peal of laughter from the lad and myself The boy finally 

 dropped down upon the ground before the race ended, 

 havinof been so convulsed with lauo^hter as to be unable to 

 stand erect, while I only remained standing until the race 

 ended, and then followed my son's example. "Jim" having 

 administered the necessary chastisement to the dog, like- 

 wise sought rest on the bosom of mother-earth, while the 

 old cocker, after having sulked a few moments in the 

 woods, came sneakingly out and cautiously approached 

 the contestant in the race, licked affectionately his hand, 

 and then looked up imploringly into his eyes. The dog 

 having thus humbly acknowledged the justice of the pun- 

 ishment which had been inflicted upon him, was then freely 



