XXV 
THE SAMBUR 
337 
courage is the commonest qualification, and is to be 
found among all men, just as ten fingers (with the 
thumbs) are supposed to be our due. I quite agree 
that after a good dinner in England, with plenty of 
wine inside, a bright fire burning in the grate, and 
no enemy in existence, men feel uncommonly 
courageous. It is natural that they should be so. 
But would all men feel the same with empty stomachs, 
no wine, no fire, but awakened suddenly from their 
sleep at three o’clock in the morning by the bugle 
sound of the alarm, the enemy being close at hand ? 
There are impetuous men and impetuous dogs— 
neither live long lives if exposed to danger. The 
hound for dangerous game should be like his master, 
a good fencer, and not run upon the points of a stag’s 
antlers. 
I have mentioned the name of Bertram among 
others. He was a grand young hound, by 
Smut (Manilla blood-hound cross with Cape mastiff) 
out of Lena (kangaroo-hound), born 7th February 
1852. He was killed 18th March 1853. This 
splendid young > dog was hardly fourteen months 
old. His height at the shoulders was 28^ inches, 
and he was exceedingly heavy ; the coat was yellow 
and smooth, as he showed more mastiff, having the 
regular mastiff head and black muzzle. I have only 
seen one dog who was his equal in reckless courage ; 
that dog was also killed, as all dogs will be very 
speedily, unless they combine a large share of 
common-sense with valour. 
Bertram’s death must close my description of 
VOL. 11 
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