246 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



patient hand pulled out some worn clothes, which 

 had belonged to Yetta, and tossed them on the floor. 

 We had not known that Slop was in the room until 

 he was seen to spring upon the garments with a 

 passionate cry of recognition. I need scarcely say 

 that he was allowed to keep a bit of the dress, which 

 he dragged to his corner and almost fondled as he 

 curled himself down upon it. 



As he had known before his master went away what 

 would happen, so before his return some mysterious 

 sense told Slop that our brother was coming back again. 

 He would become quite restless and excited, and often 

 utter a yelp of pleasure. Then was the children's 

 chance, for at such times Slop seldom failed to meet 

 our wishes regarding a game — a regular dog and bairn 

 game which he knew how to conduct for our pleasure, 

 yet without losing his dignity or authority. 



I do not recollect Slop ever coming to us, as so 

 many jolly dogs do, and saying, " Come, children, let's 

 have some fun." No ! Prince Mordge never did 

 that, but whenever his master said, " Slop, go and 

 play with the bairns," he came out at once and entered 

 into our amusements quite cheerfully. Or if (his 

 master being far away) we coaxed him with all our 

 might, he would, as I said, join in our sports with a 

 condescension which we fully appreciated. 



The manner in which we paid court to Prince 

 Mordge, flattering and palavering to win his favours, 

 would have earned for us high places in an Eastern 

 Court. 



