222 A TOUR ROUND MT GARDEN. 



beat him any more, the evil is done; besides, it may not be 

 so serious as you imagine." 



" Oh ! it's not for the few nonsensical bunches of flowers he 

 may have destroyed, my dear Stephen ; it is because he dis- 

 obeyed me that I correct him." 



" Well, then, I beg you, Edmond, do not flog him any 

 more ! " 



" Let him alone, let him alone ; I want to see if he will 

 obey me now." 



" I ask it as a favour, that you will not make the experi- 

 ment." 



" Phanor, here ! Thou shalt see that he will obey now. 

 Here, Phanor ! Why, here ! Phanor ! — here ! here ! here ! " 



Phanor takes to flight once more, Edmond pursues him 

 afresh, and the chase becomes as warm as ever through my 

 shrubs and flowers. 



Varai picked up the gentleman's cane, and held it ready 

 to give to him when he wanted to beat his dog, for fear he 

 should borrow another from one of my trees. But Varai 

 was more ingenious than I was; he opened the garden-gate, 

 and Phanor, as he passed near it, closely pursued by his 

 master, perceived the chance, made a bolt, and disappeared. 

 Edmond and I returned to the dining-room. 



" It is astounding," said he, " a dog who obeys at the least 

 sign ! Well, come, we must make the best of it; let us resume 

 our supper. Thou shalt see how I will make up for lost time. 

 But, shouldst thou not send some one to look for Phanor? I 

 am afraid he will be lost in this country of wolves, where he 

 has never been before." 



" Edmond, Varai is the only servant I have, and if he goes 

 to look for Phanor, we shall have no supper. We will think 

 of him presently." 



" Ah ! but I hope he won't be lost though ! " 



We resumed our repast. After Varai had, as usual, handed 

 me some wine and water, he ofiered some to Edmond. " No, 

 thank you ! no, thank you, my man of colour, I never drink 

 water. 



" ' All the wicked are drinkers of water, 

 As is well proved by the deluge.* 



Give me a little of that omelette. Hum! this is an 



