THE DOG. 155 



A vigilant guardian. 



with a few bites, and leave the tempting bait to 

 catch other dishonest rogues, as it had done 

 them. 



One day, a person having particular business 

 with the master, which required dispatch, went 

 to the distillery adjoining the dwelling, thinking 

 it very likely he might meet him there giving or- 

 ders to the servant; and finding the outward door 

 open, walked into the still-room; but no sooner 

 had he gone a few steps, than a fierce growl as- 

 sailed his ears, and almost imperceptibly he was 

 pinioned by terror to the wall. The affrighted 

 person called loudly for help, but the family 

 being at the other part of the house, his cries 

 were fruitless. The generous animal, however, 

 who had the frightened man close in custody, 

 scorned to take a mean advantage of his situ- 

 ation, by recommencing hostilities; he remained 

 perfectly quiet, unless the delinquent iittempted 

 to stir; he then became as furious as ever; so 

 that the prisoner prudently remained like a statue 

 fixed against the wall, while Basto, like a senti- 

 nel on his post, kept a strict guard, lest he should 

 escape before the family arrived. In about 

 twenty minutes, the master, in coining from the 

 parlour to the counting-house, beheld the pri- 

 soner, and Basto walking backwards and for- 

 wards beside him. The dog, by a thousand ges- 

 ticulations, seemed to wish a proper explanation 

 plight take place. The master laughed heartily 



