296 DAN BEARD'S ANIMAL BOOK 



THE EFFECT OF HABIT. 



A general knowledge of dogs will often save 

 one from serious mishaps. In Wheeling, West 

 Virginia, a large Irish setter sprang unexpectedly 

 at my throat and caught its teeth in my collar and 

 necktie. 



Of course I was frightened, but I had the pres- 

 ence of mind not to let the dog know it. I stood 

 for a moment perfectly quiet, looking down into 

 the beast's savage face. I saw what sort of a dog 

 had me, and, as soon as I could trust my voice, 

 coolly said: 



"Down, sir! Charge! What do you mean? 

 Charge!" 



The dog hesitated and growled, but its habit of 

 obedience was too strong. Down it came to a 

 "charge" on the ground at my feet much to the 

 amazement of the owner, who was hastening to 

 my rescue. 



The man had not heard what I said to the dog, 

 and could only gasp out the words: "What did 

 you do to him? He's a very dangerous dog a 

 very dangerous dog!" 



In St. Louis I was 



ATTACKED BY THREE GREAT DANES. 



The brutes rushed out unexpectedly upon me leav- 

 ing no chance for a retreat. As they came bound- 

 ing towards me with their great mouths open, I 

 knew that I was in a very serious position. To 



