THE POLICE OF NATURE. 
241 
of grateful attachment that was irresistible^ and which at 
once established him the pet of the household. The gentle- 
man was so pleased with the change, that he rose from, his 
seat, and asked her what she thought of it then? at the same 
time accompan}dng his remark with a gentle slap on the 
shoulder, when the dog flew at him like a little lion ! This, 
of course, was delightful 1 What ! protect his mistress, even 
from her husband ? Why, he was the dearest little creature 
in the world, and was cuddled up most affectionately. The 
gentleman continued teasing him by tapping his mistress, 
till at last, had he not jumped with his knees among the 
tea-things, the dog would have had hold of him. However, 
to turn its attention from him, he sang out "Rat, rat !" 
upon which the little creature hunted the room all over, and 
at last became so excited, that they picked him up, and 
made him again lie down in his mistress's lap. 
The following morning, after breakfast, the lady not feel- 
ing over well, a ride out in the chaise was proposed ; and 
Tiny should go with them. While she got ready, the gen- 
tleman would go and see the horse put into the chaise, and 
settle other little matters ; but scarcely had he left, and 
summoned the servants around him, than they were alarmed 
by a terrible squealing of rats, followed by a horrifying 
screech and slam of a door, and in an instant all was dead 
silence. The gentleman stood aghast, as if riveted to the 
spot ; the servants standing round, stared him full in the 
face, with their eyes and mouths wide open. His hat fell 
from his head ; but how, he knew not. Presently a great 
fat servant-girl, recovering her breath a little, said, Lorks, 
sir, that's missus; an' the rats have gone an' kill'd her;" 
and then burst out roaring, " Oh, my poor dear missus ! Oh, 
poor missus !" Thus far his apprehensions were verified. He 
turned from the spot more dead than alive, and, slowly 
entering the house, ascended the stairs, step by step, fol- 
lowed by his breathless servants, eagerly listening ; but not 
a sound was heard, save their own footsteps. On arriving 
at the summit, he, in the utmost anguish of soul, placed his 
hands before his uplifted eyes, being unable to behold the 
horrid wreck, and thrust open the door, when " hush, 
hush ! " fell ujoon his ear. He gave a phrensied start ; his 
eyes rolled ; he gasped eagerly for breath ; but in every 
