NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



bought him. Jack was taught by his master to 

 work the levers of the signals, and, in fact, to be 

 handy in a variety of ways. It was one of Wide's 

 duties to keep the key of the padlock which locked 

 a pair of points off the Graaff Reinet line which led 

 to the coal-yard. When an engine-driver came down 

 for coal the customary signal of four whistles was 

 blown, whereupon Wide went into the signal-box 

 and, taking the key from a nail on the wall, he 

 handed it to the driver as he slowly steamed past 

 the platform. On his return the driver whistled 

 again, and the key was taken from him by Wide, 

 who stood ready to grasp it as the engine passed. 

 The baboon, who answered to the name of Jack, 

 anticipated his master one day, and, taking the key 

 from the nail, he handed it to the driver himself, 

 and, waiting until he returned, Jack took the key 

 again and replaced it on the nail. His master 

 showed his pleasure by fondling and praising him. 

 Never again had Wide occasion to perform this 

 duty. The instant the four whistles sounded. 

 Jack raced for the key, to obtain which he always 

 placed one hand on top of the closed half-door to 

 raise himself sufficiently to get it. He always 

 gripped the same spot, and the wood in course of 

 time became worn down. 



Jack was up early, and began the day by carrying 

 water and performing various household duties. 

 The lonely signalman and Jack partook of an early 

 breakfast together, and then set off to work. Jack 



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