THY SERVANT A DOG' PLEASE may I come in? I am Boots. I am son of Kildonan Brogue-- Champion eser!e-".#.C.--!

ery fine dog$ and no-dash-parlourtric%s& 'aster says& e(cept I can sit-up& and put pa)s o!er nose. It is called *'a%ing Beseech.* Loo%+ I do it out of o)n head. ,ot for telling... -his is .lat-in--o)n. I li!e here )ith /)n 0od. I tell1 I -here is )al%-in-Par%-on-lead. -here is offlead-)hen-)e-come-to-the- grass. -here is *nother dog& li%e me& off-lead. I say1 *,ame?* #e says1 *Slippers.* #e says1 *,ame?* I say1 *Boots.* #e says1 *I am fine dog. I ha!e /)n 0od called 'iss.* I say1 *I am !ery-fine dog. I ha!e /)n 0od called 'aster.* -here is )al%-round-ontoes. -here is Scrap. -here is Proper 2hac%ing. 'aster says *Sorry+ A)fully sorry+ All my fault.* Slippers*s 'iss says1 *Sorry+ 'y fault too.* 'aster says1 *So glad it is 3oth our faults. ,ice little dog& Slippers.* Slippers*s 'iss says *4o you really thin% so?* -hen I made *Beseech.* Slippers*s 'iss says1 *4arling little dog& Boots.* -here is on-lead& again& and )al%ing )ith Slippers 3ehind 3oth /)n 0ods& long times...

Slippers is not-half-3ad dog. "ery li%e me. *'a%e-fine-pair& 'aster says...-here is more )al%ings in Par%. -here is Slippers and his 'iss in that place& too. /)n 0ods )al% together-li%e on-lead. 2e )al% 3ehind. 2e are tired. 2e ya)n. /)n 0ods do not loo%. /)n 0ods do not hear...-hey ha!e put )hite 3o)s on our collars. 2e do not li%e. 2e ha!e pulled off. -hey are 3ad to eat... II ,o) )e li!e at Place-in-Country& ne(t to Par%& and plenty good smells. 2e are all here. Please loo%+ I count pa)s. -here is me& and o)n 0od'aster. -here is Slippers& and Slippers*s /)n 0od-'issus. -hat is all my pa)s. -here is Adar. -here is Coo%ey. -here is 5ames-)ithKennel- that-'o!es. -here is #arry-)ithSpade. -hat is all Slippers*s pa)s. I cannot count more$ 3ut there is 'aids& and /dd-man& and Postey& and -elegrams& and Pleasm-3utcher and People. And there is Kitchen Cat )hich runs up 2all. Bad+ Bad+ Bad+ At morning-time Adar unties and 3rushes. -here is going 6uic% upstairs past Coo%ey and as%ing 0ods to come to 3re%%er. -here is liedo)n- under-the-ta3le-at-each-end& and heads-

on-feets of 0ods. Sometimes there is thingsgi!ed-under-ta3le. But *must ne!er 3eg.* After 3re%%er& there is hunting Kitchen Cat all o!er garden to 2all. She clim3s. 2e sit under and sing. -here is )aiting for 0ods going )al%s. If it is nothing-on-their-tops& it is only round the garden& and *get-off-the-flo)er3edsyou-t)o+* If it is )et& it is hearth-rugs 3y fire& or *)ho-said-you-could-sit-on-chairsLittle-'en?* It is al)ays 3eing-)ith /)n 0ods--/)n 'aster and /)n 'issus. 2e are most fine dogs...-here is -all far-off dog& )hich comes through laurels& and loo%s. 2e ha!e found him 3y o)n dust-3in. 2e said1 *Come 3ac%& and play+* But he )ented off. #is legs are all 3endy. And )a!y ears. But 3igger than 'e+ III A707S- 89:; Please sit up+ I )ill tell you 3y -imes and Long -imes--each time at a time. I tell good things and dretful things. Beginning of -imes. -here )as )al% )ith /)n 0ods& and *3as%et-of- things-to-eat-)hen-)esitdo)n--piggies.* It )ere long )al%s. 2e ate lots.

After& there )as ra33its )hich )ould not stay. 2e hunted. 2e heard sorro)ful singing in )oods. 2e )ent loo%-see. -here )as that faroff -all dog& singing to hole in 3an%. #e said1 *I ha!e 3een here dretful long )hiles& and I do not %no) )here here is.* 2e said *.ollo) tails+* #e follo)ed 3ac% to /)n 0ods. 'issus said1 */h& you poor 3ig 3a3y+* 'aster said1 *2hat on earth is Kent*s puppy doing here?* -all dog )ent on tum plenty& and said small. -here )as *gi!ehim-)hat*s- left.* #e %issed hands. 2e all )ented home across fields. #e said he )ere playing )ith )ashing-on-line& )hich )a!ed li%e tails. #e said little old dog )ith 3lac% teeth came& and said he )ould ma%e him gro)- intoa-hound& if he )ent )ith. So he )ented )ith& and found 3eautiful Smell. /ld dog said him to put his dash-nose-upon-the-ground and pu<<le. #e pu<<led long )ays )ith old dog. -here )as field full of *)are-sheep and 3eautiful Smell stopped. /ld dog )as angry and said him to cast-for)ard. But Peoples came saying loud. #e ran into )oods. /ld dog said if he )aited long enough there he )ould gro)-into-a- hound& and it )ould do-him-good to ha!e to find his )ay home& 3ecause he )ould ha!e to do it most of his life if he )as so-dash-stoopid-as- all-that.

/ld dog )ent a)ay and -all dog )aited for more 3eautiful Smell& and it )as night-times& and he did not %no) )here home )as& and he singed )hat )e heard. #e )ere !ery sorry. #e is 6uite ne) dog. #e says he is called *4amPuppy.* After long )hiles there )as smells )hich he %ne). So he )ent through hedge and ran to his home. #e said he )as in-for-Proper2hac%ing. /ne -ime after -hat. Kitchen Cat sits on 2all. 2e sing. She says1 */)n 0ods are going a)ay.* Slippers says1 *-hey come 3ac% at Biscuit-time.* Kitchen Cat says1 *-his time they )ill go and ne!er come 3ac%.* Slippers says1 *-hat is not real rat.* Kitchen Cat says1 *0o to top of #ouse& and see )hat Adar is doing )ith %ennels-thatshut.* 2e go to top of #ouse. -here is Adar and %ennels-that-shut. She fills )ith things off 0ods* feets and tops and middles. 2e go do)nstairs. 2e do not understand... Kitchen Cat sits on 2all and says1 *,o) you ha!e seen that /)n 0ods are going. 2ait till %ennels-that-shut are put 3ehind %ennel-thatmo!es& and /)n 0ods get in. -hen you )ill %no).* Slippers says1 *#o) do you %no) )here

that rat )ill run?* Kitchen Cat says *Because I am Cat. =ou are 4og. 2hen you ha!e done things& you as% /)n 0ods if it is 2hac% or Pat. =ou cra)l on turn. =ou say >Please& I )ill 3e good.> 2hat )ill you do )hen /)n 0ods go and ne!er come 3ac%?* Slippers said1 *I )ill 3ite you )hen I catch you.* Kitchen Cat said1 *0ro) legs+* She ran do)n 2all and )ent to Kitchen. 2e came after. -here )as Coo%ey and 3room. Kitchen Cat sat in )indo) and said1 *Loo% at this Coo%ey. Sometimes this is thic% Coo%ey$ sometimes this is thin Coo%ey. But it is al)ays my Coo%ey. I am ne!er Coo%ey*s Cat. But you must al)ays ha!e /)n 0ods )ith. Else you go 3ad. 2hat )ill you do )hen /)n 0ods go a)ay?* 2e )ere not comfy. 2e )ent inside #ouse. 2e as%ed /)n 0ods not to go a)ay and ne!er come 3ac%. -hey did not understand... I" -ime After. /)n 0ods ha!e gone a)ay in %ennel-that-mo!es& )ith %ennels-that-shut 3ehind+ Kennel came 3ac% at Biscuit-time& 3ut no 0ods. 2e )ent o!er #ouse loo%ing. Kitchen Cat said1 *,o) you see+* 2e )ent to loo%

e!ery)here. -here )as nothing...-here is Peoples called Carpenters come. -hey are ma%ing a little #ouse inside Big #ouse. -here is Postey tal%ing to Adar. -here is Pleasm3utcher tal%ing to Coo%ey. -here is e!ery3ody tal%ing. E!ery3ody says1 *Poor little chaps.* And goes a)ay. Some more -ime. -his night-time& Shiny Plate shined into our %ennels& and made sing. 2e sang1 *2hen )ill /)n 0ods come 3ac%?* Adar loo%ed out from high-up-a3o!e& and said *Stop that& or I*ll come do)n to you.* 2e )ere 6uiet& 3ut Shiny Plate shined more. 2e singed *2e )ill 3e good )hen the 0ods come 3ac%.* Adar came do)n. -here )as 2hac%ings. 2e are poor little small dogs. 2e li!e in /utside Places. ,o3ody cares for. " /ther more times. I ha!e met that -all far-off dog )ith large feet. #e is not called *4amPuppy.* #e is called a!ager-son-ofegan. #e has no /)n 0od 3ecause he )ill pass-the-3ottle-round-and-gro)-into-a-#ound. #e li!es across Par%& at 2al%& )ith dretful Peoples called 'ister- Kent. I ha!e )ented to 2al%. -here )ere fine smells and pig-pups& and

a 3uc%et full of old things. a!ager said1 *Eat hearty+* #e is nice dog. I ate lots. a!ager put his head through handle of 3uc%et. It )ould not go a)ay from him. #e )ent 3ac%-first& singing. #e sang1 *I am afraid.* Peoples came running. I )ent a)ay. I )ented into dar% place called 4airy. -here )as 3utters and creams. People came. I )ent out of a little )indo). I sic%ed-up t)o times 3efore I could run 6uic%. I )ent to o)n %ennel and lay do)n. -hat Peoples called 'ister- Kent came after)ards. #e said to Adar *-hat little 3lac% 3east is dam- thief.* Adar said *,onsense+ #e is asleep.* Slippers came and said1 *Come and play ats.* I said1 *0o to 2al% and play )ith a!ager.* Slippers )ented. People thought Slippers )as me. Slippers came home 6uic%. I am !ery fine dog--3ut 'aster has not come 3ac%+ "I After that -ime. I am Bad 4og. I am "ery Bad 4og. I am *0*)ay-you- dirty-little-de!il+* I found a Badness on the road. I li%ed it+ I rolled in it+ It )ere nice+ I came home. -here )as Coo%ey and Adar. -here )as *4on*t$-you-comeanigh-me.* -here )as 5ames-)ith-%ennel- thatmo!es. -here )as1 *Come *ere& you young pole-

cat+* #e pic%ed up& and )ashed )ith soap& and stic%y )ater out of %ennel-that-mo!es ru33ed into all my hairs. -here )as tieup. I smelled !ery 3ad to myself. Kitchen Cat came. I said1 *0*)ay+ I am .ilfy Bad 4og+ I am Proper Stin%pot+* Kitchen Cat said *-hat is not your o)n rat. =ou are 3ad 3ecause /)n 0ods do not come 3ac%. =ou are li%e Peoples )ho can not 3e good )ithout /)n 0ods to pat.* "II /ther .resh -imes. ,o) I am great friend of a!ager. Slippers and me ha!e )ented to hunt #en at 2al%. She )ere angry #en-lady )ith pups. She 3it Slippers& t)o times& )ith her nose& under his eye. 2e all )ent one )ay. -here )as Pig-lady )ith pups that )ay. 2e )ent other )ay. -here )as 'ister-Kent-Peoples )ith )hac%-stic% that )ay. 2e )ented more )ays& 6uic%. 2e found a fish-head on a heap of nice old things. -here )as a!ager. 2e all )ent for play. -here )as co)-pups in field. -hey ran after. 2e )ent under gate and said. -hey ran a)ay....an after till they stopped. -hey turned round. 2e )ent a)ay again. -hey ran after. 2e played a long )hile. It )ere fun. 'ister-KentPeople and more Peoples came calling dretful

names. 2e said to a!ager1 *2e )ill go home.* a!ager said1 *'e too.* #e ran across field. 2e )ent home 3y small ditches. 2e played atstic%s on the la)n. Co)man Peoples came and said to Adar *-hose t)o little de!ils ha!e 3een chasing pounds off the cal!es+*Adar said1 *Be ashamed of yourself+ Loo% at *em+ 0ood as gold+* 2e )aited till Peoples )ere gone. 2e as%ed for sugar. Adar ga!e. a!ager came through laurels--all little. #e said1 *I ha!e had Proper 2hac%ing. 2hat did you get?* 2e said *Sugar.* #e said1 *=ou are !ery fine dogs. I am hungry.* I said1 *I )ill gi!e you my store-3one in the 3order. Eat hearty.* #e digged. 2e helped. #arry-)ith-Spade came. a!ager )ent through laurels li%e Kitchen Cat. 2e got Proper 2hac%ing and tie-up for digging in 3orders ...2hen )e are 3ad& there is Sugar. 2hen )e are good& there is 2hac%-)hac%. -hat is same rat going t)o )rong )ays... "III #arry-)ith-Spade has 3rought a at...Loo%& please+ Please loo%+ I am rreal 4og+ I ha!e %illed a at. I ha!e sle) a at+ #e 3it me on the nose. I 3it him again. I 3it him till he died. I shoo%ened him dead+ #arry said *0o-ood 3oy+

*Born ratter+* I am !ery-fine-dog- indeed+ Kitchen Cat sat on the 2all and said1 *-hat is not your o)n at. =ou %illed it to please a 0od.* 2hen my legs are gro)n& I )ill %ill Kitchen Cat li%e ats. Bad+ Bad+ Bad+ I? -ime soon After. I )ented to 2al% to tell my friend a!agera3out my at& and find more things to %ill. a!ager said1 *-here is *)aresheep for me& and there is *)are-chic%en for me& 3ut there is no *)are-Bull for me. Come into Par% and play )ith Bull-in-yard.* 2e )ent under Bull*s gate in his yard. a!ager said *#e is too fat to run. Say+* I said. Bull said. a!ager said. Slippers said. I got under )atertrough and said dretful things. Bull 3le) )ith nose. I )ent out through fence& and came 3ac% through another hole. a!ager said from other side of yard. Bull spun. #e 3le). #e )as too fat. It )ere fun. 2e heard 'ister-Kent saying loud. 2e )ent home across Par%. a!ager says I am -rue Sporting 4og& only e(cept 3ecause of my little legs. ? /C-/BE 89:;

Bad -imes dead. Sit up+ Sit up no)+ I tell+ I tell+ -here has 3een )ashings and Sunday collars. Carpenter Peoples has gone a)ay& and left ne) Small #ouse inside Big #ouse. -here is !ery small %ennel-that- roc%s inside Small #ouse. Adar sho)ed. 2e )ent to 5ames*s house. #e )ere gone a)ay )ith %ennel-thatmo!es. 2e )ent to front-gate. 2e heard+ 2e sa)+ /)n 0ods--!ery /)n 0ods--'aster-'issus--came 3ac%+ 2e said. 2e danced. 2e rolled. 2e ran round. 2e )ent to tea& heads-onfeets of /)n 0ods+ -here )ere 3uttered toasts gi!ed under ta3le& and t)o sugars each... 2e heard ,e) Peoples tal%ing in Big #ouse. /ne Peoples said1 *Angh+ Angh+* !ery small li%e cat-pups. /ther Peoples said1 *Bye-loe+ Bye- loe+ *2e as%ed /)n 0ods to sho). 2e )ent upstairs to Small #ouse. Adar )as gi!ing cup-o*-tea to ,e) Peoples& more thic% than Adar& )hich )as called *,urse.* -here )as !ery-small-tal% inside %ennel-that-roc%s. It said *Aie+ Aie+* 2e loo%ed in. Adar held collars. It )ere !ery Small Peoples. It opened its o)n mouth. But there )as no teeth. It )a!ed pa). I %issed. Slippers %issed. ,e) -hic%& )hich is that ,urse& said1 *2ell-'um-I-ne!er+* Both /)n 0ods sat do)n 3y Smallest Peoples and

said and said and %issed pa). Smallest Peoples said !ery loud. ,e) -hic% ga!e 3iscuit in a 3ottle. 2e tail-thumped on floor& 3ut *not- foryou-greedies.* 2e )ent do)n to hunt Kitchen Cat. She ran up apple--tree. 2e said */)n 0ods ha!e come 3ac%& )ith one Smallest ,e) Peoples& in smallest-%ennel+* Kitchen Cat said1 *-hat is not Peoples. -hat is /)n 0ods* "ery /)n Smallest. ,o) you are only dirty little dogs. If you say too loud to me or Coo%ey& you )ill )a%e that Smallest& and there )ill 3e Proper 2hac%ings. If you scratch& ,e) -hic% )ill say1 >.leas+ .leas+> and there )ill 3e more Proper 2hac%ings. If you come in )et& you )ill gi!e Smallest snee<es. So you )ill 3e pushed /utside& and you )ill scratch at doors that shutin- your-eye. =ou )ill 3elong )ith =ards and Brooms and Cold Passages and all the Empty Places.* Slippers said1 *Let us go to /)n Kennel and lie do)n.* 2e )ented. 2e heard /)n 0ods )al%ing in garden. -hey said1 **,ice to 3e home again& 3ut )here are the Little 'en?* Slippers said1 *Lie still& or they )ill push us into the Empty Places.* 2e lay still. 'issus called1 *2here is Slippers?* 'aster called1 *Boots& you ruffian+ #i Boots+* 2e lay still. /)n 0ods came into yard and found.

-hey said1 */h& there you are+ 4id you thin% )e )ould forget you? Come-for-)al%s.* 2e came. 2e said soft. 2e rolled 3efore feets& as%ing not to 3e pushed into Empty Places. I made a Beseech& 3ecause I )ere not comfy. 'issus said1 *2ho*d ha!e thought they*d ta%e it this )ay& poor Little 'en?* 'aster thre) plenty stic%s. I pic%ed up and 3rought 3ac%. Slippers )ent inside )ith 'issus. #e came out 6uic%. #e said1 *#urry+ Smallest is 3eing )ashed.* I )ent li%e ra33its. Smallest )as all no-things on top or feets or middle. ,urse& )hich is -hic%& )ashed and ru33ed& and put things on-all-o!er after)ards. I %issed hind-feet. Slippers too. Both 0ods said *Loo%--it tic%les him+ #e laughs. #e %no)s they*re all right+* -hen they said and they said and they %issed and they %issed it& and it )as 3ye-loe--same as *%ennelup*--and then dinner& and heads-on-feets under ta3le& and lots things-passed-do)n. /ne )ere %idney& and t)o )as cheeses. 2e are most fine dogs+ ?I 'A C# 89:@. "ery many Long -imes after those -imes. Both 0ods ha!e gone-)ee%-ends in %ennel-that-

mo!es. But )e are not afraid. -hey )ill come 3ac%. Slippers )ent up to tal% to that Smallest and ,urse. I )ent to see my great friend a!ager at 2al%& 3ecause I see him !ery often. -here )as ne)& old& small& )hite dog outside Barn. -here )as only one eye. #e )as dretful 3itted all o!er. #is teeth )as 3lac%. #e )al%ed slo). #e said1 *I am Pensioned #unt -errier+ Beha!e& you lap-dog+* I )as afraid of his oldness and his crossness. I )ent pa)s-up. I told a3out me and Slippers and a!ager. #e said1 *I %no) that puppy. I taught him to gro)into-a-hound. I am more dash-old than oyal& his grandfather.* I said1 *Is it good at? #e is my friend. 2ill he gro)-into-a-#ound?* #unt -errier said1 *-hat depends.* #e scratched his dretful-3itted nec% and loo%ed me out of his eye. I did not feel comfy. I )ented into Barn. -here )as a!ager on Barn floor and t)o Peoples. /ne )as all )hite& e(cept his 3lac% ends& )hich )as called 'oore. /ne )as long& proper man& and nice& )hich )as called m*Lord. 'oore-man lifted a!ager*s head and opened his mouth. Proper 'an loo%ed. 'oore said *Loo%& m*lord. #e*s s)ine-chopped.* Proper 'an said1 **Pity+ #e*s 3y omeo and egan.* 'oore-man said1 *=es& and she*s the )isest&

)orst- tempered 3itch e!er )as.* Proper 'an ga!e a!ager 3iscuit. a!ager stood up stiff on toes-!ery fine dog. 'oore said1 * omeo*s shoulders. egan*s feet. It*s a pity& m*lord.* Proper 'an said1 *And oyal*s depth. *0reat pity. I see. I*ll gi!e you the order a3out him tomorro).* -hey )ented a)ay. a!ager said1 *,o) they )ill ma%e me gro)-into-a- #ound. I )ill 3e sent into Kennels& and schooled for cu33ing-inSeptem3er.* #e )ent after. #unt -errier came and sho)ed 3lac% teeth. I said1 *2hat is >s)inechopped >?* #e said1 *Being snipey-a3out-the nose& stoopid.* -hen 'oore came and put #unt -errier up on nec%& same as Coo%ey carries Kitchen Cat. #unt -errier said1 *,e!er )al% )hen you can ride at my time of life.* -hey )ented a)ay. 'e too. But I )ere not comfy. 2hen I got home& ,urse and Adar and Coo%ey )ere in scullery& all saying loud a3out Slippers and Kitchen Cat and Smallest. Slippers )ere sitting in sin%--3leedy. Adar turned sin%-tap)ater on his head. Slippers Aumped do)n and ran. 2e hid in 3oot-house. Slippers said1 *I )ented up to see that Smallest. #e )as 3ye-loe. I lay under ,urse*s 3ed. She )ent do)n for

cup-o*-tea. Kitchen Cat came and Aumped into %ennel-that-roc%s& 3eside Smallest. I said1 >0*out of this+> She said1 >I )ill sleep here. It is )arm.> I said !ery loud. Kitchen Cat Aumped out on floor. I 3it her going to the door. She hit. I shoo%. 2e fell do)nstairs into ,urse. Kitchen Cat hit across face. I let go 3ecause I did not see. Kitchen Cat said& and Coo%ey pic%ed up. I said& and Adar pic%ed up& and put me on sin% and poured )ater on 3leedy eye. -hen they all said. But I am 6uite )ell-dog& and it is not )ashing-day for me.* I said1 *Slippers& you are fine dog+ I am afraid of Kitchen Cat.* Slippers said1 *'e too. But that time I )as ne) dog inside-me. I )ere *normous f*rocious 3ig #ound+ ,o) I am Slippers.* I told a3out a!ager and 'oore and Proper 'an and #unt -errier and s)ine-chopped. Slippers said1 *I cannot see )here that at )ill run. I smell it is 3ad rat. But I must )atch my Smallest. It is your at to %ill.* ?II ,e(t -ime after ,ot-Comfy. Kitchen Cat is gone a)ay and not come 3ac%. Kitchen is not nice to go in. I ha!e )ent to see my friend a!ager at 2al%. #e )ere tied up. #e sang

sorro)ful. #e told dretful things. #e said1 *2hen I )ere asleep last night& I gre)-into-a#ound--!ery fine #ound. I )ent sleep-hunting )ith *nother #ound--lemon-and-)hite #ound. 2e sleep-hunted *normous 3ig .o(--hings all through 4ar% Co!ers. -hen I fell in a pond. -here )as a hea!y thing tied to my nec%. I )ent do)n and do)n into pond till it )as all dar%. I )ere frightened and I unsleeped. ,o) I am not comfy.* I said1 *2hy are you tied-up?* #e said1 *'ister-Kent has tied me up to )ait for 'oore.* I said1 *-hat is not my at. I )ill as% #unt -errier.* So I )ent 3ac% into Par%. I )ere uncomfy in all my hairs 3ecause of my true friend a!ager. -here )ere hedgehog in ditch. #e rounded up. I said loud. #unt -errier came out of 3ushes and pushed him into a )etness. #e unrounded. #unt -errier %illed. I said1 *=ou are most )onderful& )ise& strong& fine dog.* #e said *2hat 3one do you )ant no)& Snipey?* I said *-ell me& )hat is >snipey-a3out-the-nose>?* #e said1 *It is )hat they %ill #ound puppies for& 3ecause they cannot eat fast or 3ite hard. It is 3eing li%e your nose.* I said1 *I can eat and 3ite hard. I am son of Champion Kildonan Brogue-- eser!e-".#.C.-- !ery-fine-dog.* #unt -errier said1 *I

%no) that pac%. -hey hunt fleas. 2hat flea is 3iting you?* I said * a!ager is uncomfy& and I am uncomfy of my friend a!ager.* #e said1 *=ou are not so lap-dog as you loo%. Sho) me that puppy on the flags.* So I said a3out a!ager sleep- hunting and falling in pond& )hich he had told me )hen he )ere tied up. #unt -errier said *4id he sleep-hunt )ith a lemon-and-)hite-3itch )ith a scar on her left Ao)l?* I said *#e said he hunted )ith *nother #ound--lemon-and-)hite--3ut he did not say Lady-#ound or Ao)els. #o) did you %no)?* #unt -errier said1 *I %ne) last night. It )ill 3e dash- near-s6uea% for a!ager.* -hen )e sa) 'oore on -all #orse in Par%. #unt -errier said1 *#e is going to the 'aster for orders a3out a!ager. un+* I )ere runnier than #unt -errier. #e )as rude. -here )as Big #ouse in Par%. -here )as garden and door at side. 'oore )ent in. #unt -errier stayed to mind #orse& )hich )as his -all .riend. I sa) Proper 'an inside& )hich had 3een %ind to a!ager at 2al%. So I )ented in& too. Proper 'an said1 *2hat*s this& 'oore? *,other #unt -errier?* 'oore said *,o& m*lord. It*s that little 3lac% de!il from -he Place& that*s al)ays coming o!er to Kent*s and misleading a!ager.*

Proper 'an said *,o getting a)ay from a!ager this morning& it seems.* 'oore said1 *,o--nor last night either& m*lord.* Proper 'an said1 *=es& I heard her.* 'oore said1 *I*!e come for orders a3out a!ager& m*lord.* Proper 'an sat loo%-not- see--same as 'aster )ith pipe. I )ere not comfy. So I sat up on my end& and put pa)s o!er nose& and made a 3ig Beseech. -hat is all I can. Proper 'an loo%ed and said1 *2hat? Are you in it too& you little oddity?* #unt -errier said outside1 *,o dash-parlour-tric%s in there+ Come on out of it+* So I came out and helped mind -all #orse. After )hiles& 'oore came out& and pic%ed up #unt -errier& and put him on front-saddle& and hurried. #unt -errier said rudenesses a3out my short legs. 2hen )e got to 2al%& 'oore said loud to 'ister-Kent1 *It is all right.* 'ister-Kent said1 **0lad of it. #o) did it come a3out?* 'oore said1 * egan sa!ed him. She )as ho)ling cruel last night$ and )hen his Lordship loo%ed in this morning& she )as all o!er him& playing the %itten and featherin* and pleadin*. She %ne)+ #e didn*t say anything then& 3ut he said to me Aust no)1 * a!ager )ill 3e sent to Kennels )ith the young entry& and )e*ll hope his defect ain*t-too- heredity.*

'ister-Kent untied. a!ager rolled and said and said and played )ith me. 2e played I )ere .o(-at-his-home-among-the-roc%s& all round Pig- ladies-houses. I )ent to ground under henhouse. #en-ladies said plenty. #unt -errier said if he had me for t)o seasons& he )ould ma%e me earn-my-%eep. But I )ould not li%e. I am afraid I )ould 3e put-in- ponds and sun%& 3ecause I am snipey-a3out-the-nose. But no) I am comfy in all my hairs. I ha!e ate grass and sic%ed up. I am happy dog. ?III EA L= AP IL 89:@. 'ost )onderful -imes. 2e are fine dogs. -here )as Bell-4ay& )hen 'aster comes 3lac%-allo!er& and )al%s slo) )ith shiny 3o( on top and *don*t-you-play-)ith-my-3rolly.* -hat is al)ays Bell-4ay at. ,urse put Smallest into push%ennel& and )ent for )al%-in-Par%. 2e )ent )ith& and ran& and said lots. 2e )ent 3y 2al% all along railings of Par%. a!ager heard. #e said1 *I )ill come. 'y collar is too 3ig.* #e slipped collar and came )ith. -hat Smallest said loud and nice& and )a!ed pa). a!ager loo%ed into push-%ennel and %issed Smallest on its face. ,urse shooed and )iped )ith han%y.

a!ager said1 *2hy am I >slo33ery3east>? It is not *)are-Smallest for me.* 2e all )al%ed across Par% 3eside push-%ennel. -here )as noise 3ehind 3ushes. Bull-)hich-)eplayed-)ith-in-yard came out& and digged )ith pa)s and )a!ed tail. ,urse said */h& )hat shall I do--I do? 'y legs are )o33ly.* She too% Smallest out of push-%ennel and ran to railings. Bull )al%ed 6uic% after. 2e ran in front. Slippers and I said lots. a!ager Aumped at his nose and ran. Bull spun. a!ager ran 3ehind push-%ennel. Bull hit push-%ennel on one side& and %neeled-do)n-on. a!ager Aumped at his nose& and Slippers 3it 3ehind. 'e too. Bull spun. a!ager ran a little in front. Bull came after to shru33ery. a!ager said1 *Chop him in co!er+* 2e chopped& running in and out. -hen a!ager 3ited and Aumped 3ac%-)ith-3ar%s 3efore nose. It )as fun. Bull got 3leedy. Slippers and me said dretful things. Bull ran a)ay into Par% and stopped. 2e said from three places& so he could not choose )hich. It )ere great fun. Peoples called out from railings round 2al%. -here )as ,ursey pa)s-up on ground& %ic%ing feet. -here )as that Smallest and /)n 0ods

holding tight. -here )as 'ister-Kent-Peoples. Bull said& 6uite small--li%e co)-pup. 'isterKent came and put stic% at Bull*s nose and too% a)ay on-lead. All the Peoples on the railing said most loud at us. 2e )ere frightened& 3ecause of chasing-pounds-off-those-cal!es. 2e )ent home other )ays. a!ager came )ith& 3ecause he had slipped his collar and )as in for Proper-2hac%-2hac%. I opened dust-3in )ith my nose-li%e I can do. -here )ere porridge and herring-tails and outsides of cheeses. It )as nice. -hen a!ager stuc% up his 3ac%-hairs most dretful& and said1 *If I am for Proper 2hac%ings& I )ill chop 'ister-Kent.* 2e )ent )ith to see. -here )as plenty Peoples there& all Bell-4ay3lac% all o!er. 2e sa) 'oore. 2e sa) 'isterKent. #e )as 3leedy one side his 3lac%s. #e 3le). #e said * a!ager*s made a proper hash of him. Loo% at me Sunday-3est+* 'oore said1 *-hat sho)s he ain*t s)ine-chopped to matter.* 'ister-Kent said1 *4am-all-ho)-it-sho)s+ 2hat a3out my Bull?* 'oore said *Put him do)n to the Poultry .und$ for if e!er Bull cried dunghill& he did )ith a!ager.* 'ister-Kent said plenty-lots.

a!ager )al%ed slo) round 3arn and stopped stiff. #is 3ac%-hairs )as li%e angry 0entlemenpigs. 'ister-Kent 3egan to say dretful. 'oore said1 *Keep a)ay. #e has his mother*s temper& and it*s dash-a)%)ard.* -hen 'oore said nice small things and patted. a!ager put his head on 'oore*s feets& and all his 3ac%-hairs lay do)n and )as proper coat again. 'oore too% him to %ennel& and filled )ater-trough& and turned stra) on sleeping-3ench. a!ager curled up li%e small puppy& and %issed hands. 'oore said1 *Let him 3e till he sees fit to come out. Else there*ll 3e more hurt than your Bull.* Slippers and me ran a)ay. 2e )as afraid. 2e )ere dretful dirty. 'y nice frilly dra)ers )as full of stic%y 3urrs& and our front-shirts )ere 3leedy off Bull. So )e )ent to our Adar& 3ut /)n 0ods and Smallest and ,urse -hic% came& and they all said and said and petted& e(cept Coo%ey 3ecause Kitchen Cat is not come 3ac%. -here )as )onderful things-under-ta3le at dinner. /ne )as li!er. /ne )as cheese- stra) and one )as sardine. After)ards& )as coffeesugar. 2e )cnted up to see Smallest 3ye-loed. #e is 6uite )ell. 2e are most fine dogs. /)n 0ods %eep saying so. It are fun+

5ust after that -imes. -here is no more a!ager at 2al%. I ha!e )ented to see him. 'oore came )ith -all #orse and crac%y-)hip and too%. a!ager sho)ed !ery proud dog inside Bhe saidC& 3ut outside frightened puppy. #e said I )ere his true friend in spite of my little legs. #e said he )ill come again )hen he is gro)n-intoa-#ound& and I )ill al)ays 3e his -rue Small .riend. #e )ent loo%ing 3ac%& 3ut 'oore crac%ed )hip. a!ager sung dretful. I heard him all do)n the lane after I could see. I am sorro)ful dog& 3ut I am al)ays friend of my friend a!ager. Slippers came to meet me at a33it #oles. 2e got muddy on tum& 3ecause )e ha!e lo) clearances. So )e )ent to our Adar for clean. Kitchen Cat )as on 2all again. Slippers said1 *0i!e her cold-dead- rat.* 2e )ented-past-under 6uite still. She said1 *I am Kitchen Cat come 3ac%& silly little pups+* 2e did not say or loo%. 2e )ent to Adar. Slippers said me1 *,o) )e hunt Bulls in Par%s& do not e!er say to Kitchen Cat--e!er+* I said1 *0ood rat+ =ou are )ise dog.* Coo%ey pic%ed up and said1 *'ee o)n precious Pussums+* Kitchen Cat said1 *I am Cat& not 4og& drat you+* Coo%ey %ept on petting. -hen she tied up 3y 3as%et in %itchen& and said1 *,o) you*!e

had your lesson a3out going up to the nursery& you*ll stay )ith me in future and 3eha!e+* Kitchen Cat spitted. Coo%ey too% 3room in case )e hunted$ 3ut )e )ent past 6uite still. -his is finish to Kitchen Cat. 2e are fine dogs. 2e hunt Bulls. She does not hunt real rats. She is Bad+ Bad+ Bad+ ?I" LA-E AP IL 89:D 'ost 2onderful -imes. -his is me--Boots. -hree years old. I am *sponsi3le dog BSlippers& tooC& 'aster says. 2e are *sponsi3le for that Smallest. #e can get out of push-%ennel. #e )al%s puppy-)ay 3et)een Slippers and me. #e holds 3y ears and noses. 2hen he sits do)n& he pulls up same )ay. #e says1 *Boo-3oo+* -hat is me. #e says1 *See-see+* -hat is Slippers. #e has 3itted 3oth our tails to ma%e his teeth gro) strong& 3ecause he has no 3one at night. 2e did not say. #e has come into 3oth our %ennels& and tried to eat our 3iscuit. ,urse found. -here )as smallest 2hac%-2hac%s. #e did not say. #e is finest Smallest that is. #e had )ashings and ne) collar and e(tra 3rush. It )as not Bell-4ay. It )as after last-run-

of-season. #e )al%ed on la)n. 2e came& one each side. #e held. -here )as horns in Par%. I )ere tingly in all my hairs. But I did not say. B*-oo old to ma%e-fool-of-myself& my time of life& 'aster says.C -here )as #ounds and Pin%s coming on grass. -here )as 'oore--3ut he )as Pin%s. -here )as 'ister-Kent. But he )as li%e rat- catcher& #unt -errier said. -here )as nice Proper 'an )hich )as %ind to a!ager in 3arn a3out 3eing s)ine-chopped. -here )as some more Pin%s& 3ut not friends. 'oore too% all #ounds to gate 3y la)n. -hey sat do)n 6uiet. -hey )as 3eautiful muddy& and seeds in coats and tails& and ears 3leedy. #unt -errier sat in o)n 3as%et on -all #orse. 2hen 'oore put him do)n he said dretful things to #ounds. -hey did not say 3ac%. Proper 'an said to 'aster and 'issus1 *2e ha!e come to call )ith 3rush for that Smallest.* Smallest li%ed 3ecause it tic%led$ 3ut ,urse -hic% )ashed off )ith han%y 6uic%. 'aster-an*'issus said1 *#o) did a!ager do?* Proper 'an said1 *As usual. *Led from end to end. #e )ants to tal% to you.* a!ager stood up tall at the gate and put nose through. Smallest stretched out and a!ager %issed. -hen 'oore said1 */!er& lad+* a!ager o!ered in one Aump&

and said to Smallest& t)o times most loud& li%e Bell-4ay& and played puppy !ery careful& and let Smallest hold 3y ears. #is ears )as all made round. #e spo%e me. I )ent pa)s-up& 3ecause he )ere so 3ig and dretful and strong. #e said *4rop it& Stoopid+ *'em3er me 3ein* lost? *'em3er Buc%et and .ishheads? *'em3er Bull? *'em3er Co)-pups and Lady-pigs and 'ister-Kent and Proper 2hac%ings and all those things at 2al%? =ou are -rue Sporting 4og& e(cept only 3ecause of your little legs& and al)ays true friend of a!ager.* #e rolled me o!er& and held do)n )ith pa)s& and play-3it in my nec%. I play-3itted him too& right on Ao)els+ All the #ounds sa)+ I )al%ed round stiff-on-toes& most proud. -hen #unt -errier )iggled under gate )ithout lea!e. Proper 'an said to 'issus1 *#e is pensioned no)& 3ut it )ould 3rea% his heart not to turn out )ith the rest. #e can*t hurt your dogs& poor fello).* #unt -errier )al%ed-on-toes round me and sho)ed 3lac% teeth. I )ent pa)sup& 3ecause he )ere old and dretful a3out %no)ing 7ncomfy things. #e said1 *I )ill let you off this time& Snipey& 3ecause you %ne)

a3out a!ager sleep-hunting in 4ar% Co!ers. *4ash narro) sha!e& that+ ,o) I must go and loo% after the young entry. ,ot one-dash-#ound among *em+* #e )ent a)ay and 3itted at an old Lady-#ound& lemon-and-)hite& )ith 3lac% 3ites on Ao)els. She said& and )rin%led nose dretful& 3ut she did not chop. She sat and loo%ed at a!ager through gate& and said to him--li%e Bell-4ay& 3ut more loud. Proper 'an said1 */ld egan )ants her tea. *.raid )e must 3e going.* -hey )ented a)ay. -here )as horns and #orses and Pin%s& and #ounds Aumping up& and 'oore saying names loud& and a!ager o!ered gate most 3eautiful. -hey )ented all a)ay-- all--all. I )ere !ery small little dog. -hen Smallest said1 *Boo-3oo+* *See-see+* #e too% nec%s 3y collars. #e said to /)n 0ods1 *Loo%+ Loo%+ /)n *ounds+ /)n *ounds+ -urn on tea& *ounds.*... THE GREAT PLAY HUNT PLEASE+ 4oor+ /pen 4oor+...-his is me-Boots--)hich told you all those things a3out my true friend a!ager at 2al% and 'ister-KentPeoples and Kitchen Cat and 'aster-'issus

and Smallest& )hen I )ere almost Pup. ,o) I am *sponsi3le dog& rising eight. I %no) all a3out Peoples* tal%ings. ,o good saying r-a-t-s or )a-l-%-s to me. I %no)+ BSlippers too.C Slippers is *sponsi3le for Smallest& risen se!en and a half& 3ecause Smallest 3elongs to 'issus. And Slippers too. I help. It is !ery fine Smallest. It has sat on -all #orse& )hich is called 'agistrate& in front of that 2hite 'an )hich )as %ind to a!ager at 2al%& )hich I told you& )hich is called 'oore-Kennel#untsman. It has learned to %eep hands do)n and 3ump& and fall off proper& and all those things. ,o) he has o)n pony called -affy-)asa-2elshman. #e rides )ith 'oore and 'agistrate all-o!er-Par%. 2e come )ith. And he goes to 'eet )hen it is at Kennels. 'aster'issus say he must not real-hunt-Aust-yet. #e does not li%e and says. I come to 'eets )ith 5ames in %ennel-that- mo!es 3ecause of those dash ne) #unt -erriers. I spea% to my friend a!ager from ne(t to steering-)heel& )here I sit. #e is 3est-hound- e!er-)as& 'oore says. #e )al%s close to near fore-leg of 'agistrate. It is most *sponsi3le place. #e has nigh-half-cho%ed 7pstart for trying to ta%e it& 'oore says.

,o) I )ill tell things and things li%e rats running. .irst& *)as dash-3ad 3usiness a3out Smallest in /ld ,ursery 3efore 3re%%er. -here )as hard tight collar. -hat ne) ,ursey& )hich is called 0u!!y& pinched under nec%. Smallest said a3out 3oney old Lady-#ound. 0u!!y said-andsaid and shoo% Smallest. 2e shoo% too--one each side her middle dress. 2e did not nip. It tore of herself. 'issus came up 6uic%. 0u!!y said all-a3out-all again. 2e )ented do)nstairs 6uic%. 'issus called to 'aster. #e said1 *Come here& you t)o s)eeps+* -here )as Proper 2hac%ing )ith o)n cutty-)hip. But )e did not nip that 0u!!y. -here )as )hac%-)hac% for Smallest too. #e )as put in corner till *I-amsorry.* 2e )ent )ith to sit 3y& same as al)ays )ith old ,ursey. 'issus said1 *I )ill not ha!e my son*s education per!erted 3y t)o *sreputa3le curs.* -here )as order not to 3e )ith Smallest all )hole day. And nothing gi!ed under-ta3le at 3re%%er. So )e )ented to dust-3in& )hich I can open )ith my nose. #ouse not comfy 3ecause of 0u!!y saying a3out us to our Adar. /ur Adar said *P*raps I ought to ha!e )arned you& 3ut no) you ha!e had your lesson. /f course& Slippers )ill ne!er forgi!e you for touching

'aster 4ig3y& and as for that Boots& he can 3ear malice for months+* After dust-3in I said Slippers1 *Come for )al%-a3out.* #e said */)n0od-'aster al)ays )ants you help him )al%a3out after 3re%%er.* I said1 *I do not )ant /)n 0od. I did not nip that 0u!!y-Lady-#ound. Come )ith.* Slippers said1 *-hey ha!e put soap on my Smallest*s teeth for 3ad)ording. #e is %ennelled up in /ld ,ursery. I )ill stay at home. P*raps he )ill )a!e me out of )indo).* So I too% myselfs to 2al%& )here 'ister-KentPeoples is. I )ere nice to 'ister-Kent*s t)o .rilly Smalls& )hich I %no) since they came. -here )as 3read and 3utter and sugar. -here )as1 * un along to school no)& dearies.* I )ented )ith to ta%e care. -here )as lots more Smalls going to school& )hich I all %ne). I ran stic%s for them. -here )as t)o pieces ginger3read and t)o s)eeties. -hen I )ented 3ac% to 2al% 3ecause I )ere hungry. -here )as t)o hen-heads outside ferret- %ennel 3o(. -hey )ere nice. -here )as Lady-#en in 3arn hatching eggs. -hey )ere good. -here )as Ben-sheep-dog& )hich )as tied up 3ecause of meddy that morning. #e had left his 3one out too far. I too% a)ay to 'ice-field )here 2ood*s Edge comes do)n 3ehind 2al%. I caught four

mices 3y Aumping-on through grass. -here )as some of !ery old ra33it lying a3out. But 3ad fur. So I unhad all )hich )as inside me& and )ented into 2oods for drin% in 'iddle ide. And sleeped. 2hen I unsleeped& there )as that old .o( )hich a!ager calls -ags& 3ecause he has !ery fine 3rush. #e is dash-old 3ut dash)ise& a!ager says. -here )as steel-trap on near-fore. #e )as 3iting-out foot. #e said1 *If I am found li%e this& it is finish-for-me.* I said1 *-here is no 'eet to- day.* #e said1 *E!ery day is 'eet for that dash-Ben-cur-dog.* I said1 *Ben is tied up. #e has too% meddy.* -ags said1 *-hen there is a chance.* #e 3ited his foot& same as me )ith thorns. #e 3ited off t)o toes& and lic%ed and lic%ed. #e said1 **Ser!es me right for 3eing dash-fool& my time-of-life.* #e said it )ere t)onice-%ind-ladies& long )ays off& across rail)ay line in Cots)old country B3ecause -ags does not %ill at homeC& )hich too% hens to 3e %illed in %ennels-that- mo!e& )hich had set trap under hen-house floor& )ith chic%en )hich he could see. #e tried to ra%e out. -rap caught t)o toes. #e came home )ith--four miles--all through the night-times. #e said he could not %ill for himself for long )hiles no)& 3ecause of sore toes. I said1 *-here is a 3ig 3one and four mices

in 'icefield& and some of old ra33it.* #e said1 *0ood enough+ -ell a!ager I am as lame as trees. I am t)o toes short. I )ill lie up for rest of season. -hen I )ill go to my-home-amongthe-roc%s-in-2ales& if I can %eep li!ing ali!e.* I )ented 3ac% to 2al%& 3ecause I )ere hungry again. Ben said me lots a3out his 3one. I said 3ac%. I danced. A Kent .rilly Small came and said1 *-here is Boots playing so pretty )ith Ben. 'ay I ta%e him home& in case he )ill lose himself?* I )ere !ery nice. But first )as tea in Kent-%itchen )ith .rilly Smalls--3read and hamAuice. -hen I too% that .rilly 3ac% careful to o)n 3ac%-door. Adar said1 *Lost? #im? Boots? ,e!er& me dear+* /)n 0ods )as at tea. But not Smallest. Slippers sat close 3y door ma%ing sorro)ful sniffles )hich /)n 0ods do not li%e. BI helped.C 'aster said1 *4ash-it-all& if the house is to 3e run 3y this 3lac%guard -rades 7nion of ours& accept it. #a!e 4ig3y do)n+* Smallest came do)n to tea. 2e )as all-o!er-him. -here )as tea-ca%e and t)o sugars and ginger3iscuits. 'issus said1 *4o you thin% Boots spent the )hole day loo%ing for Smallest?* 'aster said1 *,ot if I %no) Boots.* /)n 0ods 3egan tal%ing 'aster-'issus )ay. 2e )ented to help Smallest %ennel-up. I played smelling rats and

loo%ing rat-holes in /ld ,ursery. I ran a3out and gro)led dretful. 0u!!y did not li%e 3ecause of her feet. But I did not e!er nip that 0u!!y--more than -ags e!er %illed at 2al%. BSlippers too.C *2as dash silly 3usiness for me after)ards--my time-o*-life. 0u!!y told 'issus a3out rat-holes. 'issus told 'aster. 'aster told 5ames to loo% and stop rat-holes. 5ames told /ld ,ursery )as tight as 3ottles e!ery)here. Adar said me in scullery after1 *Boots& you come along o* me.* I )ented up )ith. I )ere not comfy. Adar said1 *,o) you find those precious rat-holes of yours.* I played loo%y-sniffy hard. But it )ere play rat-holes. I )ent pa)s-up. Adar said1 *I thought so& you little de!il+* She too% 3y collar and ru33ed nose hard in corner& same as if I )ere pup 3eing taught #ouse. I )ere !ery angry. I )ented under 3ed. She pulled me out 3y tail. She said *=ou 3lac%hearted little !illain+ But I lo!e yer for it+* And she %issed me same as Small Pup. I )ere dretful *shamed. But I did not e!er nip that 0u!!y. ,o) I tell ne) things. Please sit up+ -here )as plenty-rides al)ays )ith Smallest and 'oore in Par%. Smallest )anted to realhunt dretful 3ad& 3ut 'aster-'issus said not-

Aust-yet-a)hile. 'oore did not say e(cept to 5ames at 'eet& )hen Smallest tried to 6uic%-up that -affy )ith safety-pin. 'oore sa). #e said 5ames1 *'y money is on the young entry.* I said a!ager all those things )hich -ags had told me a3out his sore toes. a!ager said1 *-ell -ags I am dash-sorry for him. #e has gi!en me as much as I could do for fi!e seasons& and he )as not chic%ens then. I hope he )ill lie-at- earth till lea!es-on& 3ecause 3usiness is 3usiness.* ,e(t )hiles I )as at 'iddle ide I told -ags )hat a!ager had said. -ags said his toes )as not so sore& and if it )ere early spring& he could %eep li!ing ali!e--someho). -ime )hiles after that& *)as 'eet at Kennels. 'aster-'issus said Smallest could 3egin realhunting at cu33ing-times ne(t Septem3er. Smallest )as dretful good& and tal%ed 'aster'issus and Slippers ho) he )ould hunt& till 3edtime. I told my friend a!ager all those things& )hen I spea%ed loud to him ne(t 'eet& 3efore all the #ounds. #e said1 *I )ill sho) that Smallest a thing or t)o )hen he comes up. #e is %een-stuff.* -ime )hiles after that& Shiny Plate got up strong& and made-sing. Adar loo%ed out from

high-up& and said1 *Euiet+* 2e played attlechain round our %ennels. Adar said1 *4rat+* She came and unloosed& li%e she al)ays does )hen )e do enough. 2e )ent for )al%-a3outs in 0ardens and /rchard li%e )e al)ays do )hen she does. It )ere fun. -hen )e heard *Lost #ound *li%e long )ays off& 3ut not proper singing. 2e said1 *2ho is? Come here.* It said1 *I do not %no) )here >here> is. I do not see.* I said1 *-hat is a!ager. a33it it+* 2e ra33ited through /rchard. -here )as a!ager. But he )al%ed side-)ays& head-t)isty-!ery dretful. I said loud. #e did not %no). #e said1 *I )ill go 6uic% to Kennels.* But he )ent round and round. #e said1 **2are Kennel-that- 'o!es+* Slippers said1 *It is strange ne) *stemper-dog inside a!ager. *Same )hat Coo%ey ga!e me egg-an-3randy-for.* a!ager said1 *2here is my o)n place on the Bench?* But he 3umped trees and t)isted. 2e )ere afraid. 2e came each one side him. 2e came to o)n %ennels...#e fell do)n 3et)een. 2e lic%ed his head 3ecause it )ere 3leedy. After long )hiles he said1 *2here is this?* 2e said1 *-his is Boots and Slippers.* #e tried to go a)ay to Kennels. #e could not lift. 2e lay close and lic%ed and lic%ed till Adar pulled 3ac% %itchen-curtains for 3re%%er. 2e

said. She came 6uic%. BCoo%ey too.C -here )as egg-an- 3randy& as-fast-as-you-can. 'aster'issus and Smallest came 6uic% after. 5ames )ent in Kennel-that-'o!es to get "et-Peoples out-of-3ed- 3y-his-hair. 'oore and 'agistrate came 6uic% too& 3ecause a!ager had not castup at Kennels last night& and 7pstart had fought Egoist for a!ager*s place on sleepy-3ench& and Kennels )as all-of-a-nuproar. 'oore said small to a!ager& 3ut a!ager did not say 3ac%. 'oore and 'aster put him on potting-3ench in shed after #arry-)ith-Spade had 3roomed out and got small sto!e lighted. Smallest )as too% a)ay to 3re%%er& saying loud. "et-Peoples did dretful things to a!ager*s head. -here )as puthim-to-3ed after. 'oore set a)ay stra) same as at Kennels. a!ager tail-thumped t)o small times. 2e )as let lie. 2e lic%ed and )e lic%ed his head. "et said he had lost one eye for al)ays and not-much-chance for other. #e said it )ere some-dash-motor. And a!ager )ere sic% dog+ All those )hiles& Smallest came to sit )ith& *cept only )hen 0u!!y too% a)ay& or it )as rides in Par%. 'e too& e(cept if 'aster )anted me help him )al%-a3out farms. /ne time I sa) -ags in 2ood Edge. I told a3out a!ager. #e

said1 *I %ne) it the same night. It )ere that %ennel-that-mo!es of the nice-%ind-ladies in the Cots)old country& )hich ta%es hens to 3e %illed. -ell a!ager I am dash-sorry$ 3ecause eyes are )orse than legs. -ell him to come o!er some day )hen it is lea!es-on& and )e )ill tal% old runs. 2e are 3oth finished no)$ and no3ad-feelings.* And he said1 *Lic%ing is 3est for cuts. Loo% at my toes+* And he said he )as %illing again off nice-%ind-hen-%iller- ladies& )hich )as sending 3ill to the Cots)old and #eythrop. #e said they )as Pri<e Coc%erels& 3ut it )ere dash-difficult to get 3ellyful these hard late frosts. I said1 *-here is fine dust-3in at our place. I can lift lid )ith nose. 2e )ill not tell.* -ags said me1 *If your legs )as good as your heart& I could not li!e for three fields in front of you. I am ashamed--*my-timeof-life--to go dust-3inning. But I )ill come. -ell a!ager not to ma%e a song a3out it& if he )inds me.* So he came to our dust-3in all 6uiet. 2hiles after that& a!ager )as unsic% #ound again. #e said he had had thorn in foot at end of that run. #e turned out on grass to 3ite it out& 3y gate of nice-%ind-ladies )here -ags %illed chic%ens. Ladies )as ta%ing hens to 3e %illed& lots-and-plenty& in %ennel-that-mo!es. -hey

s%idded %ennel on grass 3ecause they tal%ed. -hey hit him into ditch& and he )as made into strange 3lind dog. I told him a3out -ags and dust-3in. #e said1 *-hat is all proper. -ell him to come and tal% me old runs together& 3ecause )e are 3oth out-of-it no).* -ime )hiles after that& a!ager got do)n off 3ench and ate grass. #e said me1 *I )ill go to my Kennels and spea% them all there. Come )ith& 3ecause I do not see e(cept my near side& and dash-little there.* Slippers said1 *It is ridingtimes for my Smallest. I )ill )ait.* So I )ented )ith a!ager. I put me his off-side in case if he 3umped. 2e )ented slo) up middle of Par%& )hich he %ne) 3y nose. Kennels )as shut. 'oore and 'agistrate )as coming to ta%e Smallest for ride. Proper 'an )ere there too& )ith ne)-four-year-old. I sat do)n outside& 3ecause I do not li%e those dash ne) #unt -erriers. a!ager put up nose and said !ery long at Kennel 0ates. -here )as dretful noise inside Kennels& all together& one time& and stop. Proper 'an said 'oore1 *I did not thin% this )ould ha!e to happen.* 'oore said1 *I sa) it once )hen I )as sta3le-3oy to the 'ar6uis& me Lord.* Proper 'an said1 *Let him in and get it o!er& *Pity*s sa%e+* a!ager )as let go in. #e

)ent to )indo) loo%ing into #ounds* sleepy3ench. #e lifted himself up slo) on sill& and loo%ed them )ith his near eye. #e did not say. -here )as one time more dretful noise inside& together& and stop. -hen he did say !ery long& same as Lost #ound. -hen he loo%ed in& and *)as one more dretful cry inside. #e dropped do)n. #e came out. I said1 *2hat is?* #e said1 *7pstart has my place on 3ench. I )ill go riding )ith Smallest.* Proper 'an said 'oore1 *Come on+* But 'agistrate*s girths )as slac%. 'oore tighted up !ery careful. Proper 'an 3le) his nose angry and said1 *=ou are as 3ig dash-fool as your 'aster.* 2e )ented 3ac% to Smallest. Proper 'an told Smallest a!ager )ould not e!er come to Kennels any more& and ga!e him for !ery o)n to %eep al)ays. 'aster-'issus put in old La3rador Kennels 3y !egeta3le gardens& )ith day-and-night-3ench& 3ut ne!er loc%ed& so he could come and go li%e-he-felt. BI can open that )ith my nose too.C After that& *)as plenty ridings in Par%& 3ecause 'agistrate had thic%- leg and )anted gentlesummer-e(ercise. -hose times& Smallest said all a3out real-hunting& same as al)ays. 'oore said& if a!ager could spea%& he could sho) Smallest more than 'aster-or-'e. #e said all a3out real-

hunts and a!ager& and omeo and egan& and oyal and achel& and upert and istori& )hich )as all a!ager*s fathers and mothers$ and .o(es and Scents and casting hounds& and those fine things. Smallest found small red rumpet in /ld ,ursery& and played it )ere #orn-on-a-fine-hunting-morn. 'oore sho)ed ho) to s6uea% )ith. a!ager sho)ed Slippers and me ho) to ans)er to #orn same as Sporting Pac%. It )ere fun. *2as one time )hen lea!es-)as-all-on& Shiny Plate came up strong and made-sing. 2e played attle-chain till Adar loosed& li%e she al)ays does. 2e )ent to see a!ager& li%e )e al)ays do then. *2as -ags outside old La3rador Kennels do)n-)ind under goose3erries& li%e he does )hen he comes for tal%. -here )as 3ig say-and-say a3out old runs )ith a!ager and -ags. -hey did not say same a3out things. Slippers said *,o use )orrying dead rats.* a!ager said *Better )orrying dead rats than no rats e!er.* Slippers said1 *I %no) a good rat. 'a%e a ne) run 3y your t)o sel!es. 'a%e a run for my Smallest.* a!ager said1 *#e )ill come up )ith the young entry for cu33ing in Septem3er. #e )ill learn soon enough then.* Slippers said1 *But sho) him a run no) 3y

yoursel!es$ 3ecause you and -ags are dashcunning at 3oth ends of the game.* -ags said1 *-hat loo%s li%e sound a33it. Bolt him.* Slippers said1 *'a%e my Smallest a play-hunt up and do)n 2ood Edge ides. -hat -affy is all grass-3elly. #e cannot Aump& 3ut he can )iggle through any)here. 'a%e a play-hunt up and do)n all 2ood ides.* I said1 *And across Par%& and plenty chec%s for me to %eep )ith a!ager in case if he 3umps.* a!ager said1 *I )ill not 3ump. I %no) e!ery inch of the Par% 3y nose. I )ill not 3ump.* -ags said1 *I am lame. I am fat. I am soon going to Brec%noc%.* a!ager said1 *=ou are too much dust-3in. *4o you good to ha!e a spin in the open 3efore you lea!e. *4o us 3oth good.* -ags said1 *-hat is Shiny-Platetal%.* But he )aggled his 3rush. a!ager said1 *2hat a3out scent this time-of-year?* Slippers said1 *'a%e it point-to-point& same as #unt aces& and dash-all- scents.* a!ager said1 *But I must sho) our Smallest ho) proper hounds )or%. #e must see a-little-3it-of-all-sorts.* -ags said1 *'y toes tell me that )hen Shiny Plate sits do)n this morning& rain )ill come& and scent )ill lie.* a!ager said1 *=ou ought to %no). ,o)& )orry out run for Smallest.* So there )ere proper )orry--li%e all sha%ing same rat-- a3our

line-of-country for Smallest*s play-hunt. It )ere across Par% from 2ood*s Edge ides 3y Cattle Lodge and Little 2ater to Starling 2ood& and saying good-3ye to all %ind friends at -he Kennels& and finish at 'ade Earths 3y Stone 2all on County road& 3ecause& -ags said& that )ere his 3ac%-door to the Ber%eley Country for 2ales. Slippers and me helped lots. -hen rain came& li%e -ags* toes said. 'orning-time *)as finished raining. 'oore came )ith 'agistrate--)hich had thic%-leg and smelly 3andage--only-for-gentle-)or%. Smallest too% rumpet )ith& and o)n crac%y )hip& same as al)ays. a!ager ran near- side -affy. 'e too. 2e )ented up 3y 'icefields to 'iddle ide 3ecause of soft going& 'oore said. In 'iddle ide *)as -ags )aiting li%e he said he )ould. 'oore said1 *4ash his impertininces+ Loo% at him+* a!ager ga!e tongue and )ented up ide. 'e too. Smallest stic%ed hand 3ehind ear and s6uealed proper. -ags scuttled limpity& 3ut dash-6uic%. 'agistrate see-sa)ed li%e that thing in /ld ,ursery. 'oore said1 **/ld *ard& you silly summer-fool& you+ Come 3ac%& 'aster 4ig3y+* Smallest said1 *#i%e to a!ager .orrard on+* 2e ra33ited do)n 'iddle ide--*normous long )ay. -ags turned right-handed

into co!er at Keeper*s /a%& so he could slip into Par% 3y Beech #edge 0aps and -hree /a%s& li%e he said he )ould. It )ere thic% co!er. 2e too% it easy 3ecause it )ere hot. I %eeped 3eside a!ager 3ecause he did not see. -ags said him in co!er1 *-here is nothing )rong )ith your legs.* a!ager said1 **Sorry if I pressed+ I %no) 'iddle ide 3y nose. -hat )ere not 3ad 3eginning.* 'oore said loud1 *Come a)ay& 'aster 4ig3y. =ou )on*t see any more of him. #e*ll 3e through all manner of counties 3y no).* Smallest said1 *4on*t you hunt my hounds+* -affy pec%ed on ant-hill in fern. Smallest pitched for)ard& and hit face on -affy*s head. #is nose 3leeded plenty. #e )iped )ith hand across. 'oore said1 *2hat )ill I say to your 'a?* Slippers said1 * a!ager& dra) do)n 2est ide& )here that -affy can see his stoopid feet+* a!ager spo%e& and dre) do)n 2est ide o!er turf all proper& to Beech #edge 0aps into Par% 3y -hree /a%s. -affy )iggled through. 'agistrate after. #e )ere li%e 3ulloc%s. 'oore )as all leafy. #e 3ad-)orded 'agistrate. -ags came out from 3ehind -hree /a%s li%e he said he )ould& and )ented do)n Little 2ater. Smallest rumpeted. 'oore said1 *#e ain*t e!er going to cross the Par%? /r is he? 4ash if I

ma%e-it-out-at-all+* -ags )ent 3y Little 2ater to Par% 4ingle. #e crossed 2ater t)o times& li%e he said he )ould& and )ent along from Par% 4ingle to Larch Copse. a!ager too% up scent and )or%ed along Little 2ater 6uite slo)& to sho) Smallest propergood-)or%. 'oore said1 *2atch& 'aster 4ig3y+ =ou*ll ne!er see anything prettier in your life-young as you are+* It )ere dretful strong scent. Slippers and me spo%e to it loud. a!ager too. 2hen )e came to Larch Copse& )here -ags had dou3led& li%e he said he )ould& a!ager said1 *Stop it& stoopids+ 2e lose the Scent here.* #e thre) up head& and )ent 3ac% to -affy and Smallest& and sat do)n and scratched ear. BSlippers and me too.C Smallest said1 *Shall I cast them?* 'oore said1 **Can*t ha!e it 3oth )ays& 'aster 4ig3y. -hey*re your *ounds& not mine.* Smallest put finger in mouth and 3ited& li%e he does )hen he does not %no). 'oore did not say. 2e did not say. After )hiles B)e did not sayC Smallest rumpeted& and cast 3ac% other side Little 2ater to Par% 4ingle. a!ager said1 */ur Smallest is no fool+* 2e all )or%ed hard on 3ac%-cast. Slippers said1 *'ay I gi!e tongue no) for my Smallest? Scent is strong enough to %ill pigs.* So he )ere let gi!e tongue. B'e too.C

a!ager confirmed. -ags got out of Par% 4ingle li%e he said he )ould. 2e all ra33ited for Cattle Lodge in Par%& )here once fat Bull )as )hich )e hunted. It )ere sound turf )hich a!ager %ne) 3y nose. -hat )ere .rocious Burst. I led Slippers to Lodge. -ags got under yard-gate. a!ager said me1 *'ay I fly cattle3ars? I thin% the top one is do)n.* I said1 *It is up. 0o under+* #e )ere dretful ashamed& 3ut he did go under. 2e all sat in calf-shed& )here )ater-trough is& and drin%ed. 2e )ere thirsty. After )hiles& 'oore said to Smallest outside1 *2hat made you cast 3ac% at Larch Copse& sir?* Smallest said1 *If I )ere lame .o( pushed out of my 2oods& I )ould try to get 3ac%.* 'oore said1 **Ea!en 3e praised+ =ou ha!e it in you+ I *a!e only *elped fetch it out+* -ags said a!ager1 *It is time I left the country. 2as anything )rong )ith my dou3le? 4id either you little *uns gi!e that cu3 of yours a lead a3out it?* Slippers said1 *I did try to help my Smallest 3y edging off. But he )as angry& and told me off proper. -hat 3ac%-cast )ere all his o)n rat.* -hen -ags said a!ager1 *2hy did you run so mute do)n Little 2ater? =oung *uns are al)ays %een on music& you %no).* a!ager said1 *Sorry+ -hat )as my 'other*s fault& too& on a

scent. She al)ays preferred her )or% to her company. Same as me.* -ags said1 *Come on& then. ,e(t point is Starling 2ood. I shall )or% do)n old 4rainage 4itch& ta%ing it easy& and slip in 3y 4uc%*s #ollo). It )ill 3e more little3it-of-all-sorts for your Smallest.* -ags 3ro%e to !ie) 3ehind Cattle Lodge& li%e he said he )ould. -here )ere scurry o!er turf to /ld 4itch. #e dropped in. It )ere deep--)ith 3ram3les. 2e too% it easy. Smallest said loud& 3ecause he could not see. 'oore said1 *-hey are )or%ing their hearts out for you in there& 'aster 4ig3y. 4on*t press *em. 4on*t press+* a!ager said -ags1 *Sho) a 3it& no) and then. -he =oung Entry are all for 3lood& you %no).* So -ags sho)ed up t)o-three-times edge of ditch. And Smallest s6uealed and )as happy-pup. At 4itch-end -ags said1 *Come through 4uc%*s #ollo) 6uiet& and *)are ne) hurdles.* So )e did. Starling 2ood )as hurdled tight. a!ager too% hurdles flying s%e)-)ays& 3ecause he sa) them a little. I )ere uncomfy of my friend a!ager. I did not %no) )hat he )ould fall on--same as me )ith la)nmo)er and the pheasant-3ird. But it )ere only thistles. #e said1 *Sorry+ I forgot I )ere 3lind dog.*

2e all sat. It )ere stin%y& eggy& feathery 3irdy place--all stic%s. a!ager said -ags1 *'oore ne!er puts hounds in here. 2e do not li%e it& and Scent don*t lie.* -ags said1 *But 'oore does& and .o(es cannot 3e dash-particular.* 'oore and Smallest came riding outside. 2e sat still. 'oore said1 *#e can*t 3e there& 'aster 4ig3y+ ,o fo( uses )here starlings use. -he #ounds )on*t loo% at Starling 2ood.* Smallest said1 *=ou said hunting is )hat-can*t-happen happenin* dash-al)ays.* 'oore said1 *=es& 3ut he*s gone on to ma%e his point across the Par%. Come *ome and )ash your face *fore any one sees.* Smallest said1 *And lose my .o(?* 'oore said1 *-hen get *old of *em and cast for)ard.* Smallest did not say. #e too% rumpet off his saddle and held out to 'oore. 'oore )ould not ta%e. #e )ented o!er all red in his face. #e said1 *I most *um3ly apologise& 'aster 4ig3y. I do indeed.* Slippers said1 *I do not %no) this rat.* a!ager said1 *#e is gi!ing his horn to 'oore& 3ecause 'oore %no)s so dash-)ell ho) to find his fo(.* -ags said a!ager1 **Better spea% a little& or 'oore )ill lose me--same as last season.* a!ager spea%ed. Smallest said1 *#e is there+ a!ager can*t lie. =ou said so yourself. 0et do)n-)ind 6uic%+* 'oore )ented.

#e hit 'agistrate proper. Slippers said1 *2hy did 'oore not ta%e my Smallest*s rumpet?* a!ager said1 *'oore is too dash-ashamed of himself for trying to hunt another man*s hounds--same as that snipey- nose-man )hich -he 'aster ga!e his horn to& 3ecause he said he )as )hip to the Bathshe3a Lady-Pac%.* -ags said Slippers1 *Come )ith+ #ere is another 3itof-all-sorts for your Smallest.* -hey )ented )here )ood )as stin%iest. Big cu3 ran out under hurdles at Smallest. Slippers after. Smallest did not li%e. #e said1 *.resh fo(+ *2are cu3+ #i%e 3ac% to a!ager& you dash-lap-dog+* And cut at Slippers )ith crac%y- )hip. And hit. Slippers came 3ac% 6uic%. #e said -ags had said him to- push-out-that-youngster-and-seeho)-Smallest-too%-it. 'oore came round co!er. Smallest said1 *I ha!e 3ad-)orded Slippers. I ha!e cut at my o)n Slippers+* 'oore said1 *4on*t ta%e that to heart+ =ou can 3ad-)ord e!ery one at co!er-side *cept your o)n Pa-an'a and -he-'aster-an-'e.* -ags said1 *I thin% I )ill start for .an 4ringarth to-night. -his is going to 3e dash-poor country for cripples ne(t season.* a!ager said1 *#a!e a heart+ Stay and %eep me company.* -ags said1 *I )ould& 3ut I ha!e only one 3rush. ,o)& ne(t point is 'ade

Earths at Stone 2all on County road& )here I go under for 4ean .orest. a!ager said1 *'ade Earths is tight as drainpipes. =ou cannot geta)ay-out-of till dar%.* -ags said1 *4rain-pipes hea!e in frost. -hen Badgers )or% *em. But first )e say fare)ell to all %ind friends at -he Kennels. -here )ill 3e chec% at ,e) .irs. =ou little *uns drop out there& and ta%e it easy up to .ir Knoll& till )e come 3ac% from Long 4ip. -hen Aoin in for rattling finish.* Slippers said1 *-hat -affy cannot gallop to %eep himself )arm.* a!ager said1 *But 'agistrate )ants three-ne)-legs. 2e )ill ta%e care of them. ,o) play proper Pac%. 0et a)ay together+* -ags 3ro%e under -affy*s nose. *2as most 3eautiful cry& and Adar could ha!e co!ered )ith sheets. After that I )ere not so 6uic% as a!ager. It )ere falling ground and sound turf& )hich a!ager %ne) 3y nose. *2as nice chec% at ,e) .irs& li%e -ags said. Slippers and me dropped out. Presently )hiles& -ags 3ro%e to !ie) do)n Long 4ip. a!ager on his 3rush. It )ere real 3usiness. Slippers and me )ented to .ir Knoll and )atched. -affy and Smallest )as littler and littler in Long 4ip. 'oore and

'agistrate too. -ags and a!ager )as littlest& farthest )ays off& 3y Summer Kennels =ard. 2e heard a!ager spea% most 3eautiful outside there. *2as dretful common noises in Summer Kennels--li%e common dogs )hich cannot hunt )hen they )ant. I )ere happy-dog& 3ecause I do not li%e 7pstart and Egoist. ,or ne) #unt -erriers. BSlippers too.C 2e danced and singed. Presently after )hiles& -ags came up from Long 4ip to .ir Knoll& dragging 3rush !ery limpity. #e said1 *I am Sin%ing .o(+ a!ager is Lost #ound+ -affy is coo%ed+ 'agistrate is fit-to3oil+ Come along& little *uns& and 4e!il-ta%eshort-legs+* 2e ra33ited. -hat )ere t*rific Burst. I headed a!ager for little )hiles. 2e came to 'ade Earths screaming for 3lood. -ags got to ground in front of a!ager*s front-teeth )hich )as li%e rat-traps. 2e all )ented singing do)n into the dar%. 2e sat& tongues-out. a!ager said1 *-op-hole finish+* -ags said1 *,ot 3ad& ourtime-of-life. -hat last point )as 6uite a mile.* a!ager said1 *I ma%e the run four mile from start to finish. =ou are too good for those 2elshmen. Keep )ith us.* -ags said1 *,ot )ith that youngster coming on. But he is Sportsman. #ar% to him+* *2as Smallest outside and -affy 3lo)ing. Smallest said loud *#e )ere lame+

4on*t let them get him+ #e are lame+ Call *em off& 'oore& an* )e*ll loo% for that dash-cu3.* And he rumpeted plenty. 'oore said1 *2e *a!e done enough for one 5uly day& 'aster 4ig3y. *Ere*s *is Lordship coming& and I*ll ne!er *ear the last of it.* -ags said a!ager1 *I thin% you )ill 3e )anted for hunting out of season. I am going to 2ales. =ou are true Sporting Lot.* And -ags 3ac%ed into 'ade Earths& )hich are his road to his home-among-the-roc%s& )here drain-tiles )as hea!ed up and Badgers helped& li%e he said he )ould& till )e could not see his eye-shine any more. a!ager called after1 *=ou are 3est of them all& -ags+* But -ags did not say 3ac%. 2e )ented outside. -here )as Proper 'an on -all #orse coming slo) from Kennels. a!ager said1 *#e is not our 'aster no). Play proper Pac%.* 2e lay do)n round -affy& )hich )as sha%ing tail& and girths-loosed& and Smallest ma%ing-much-of. a!ager did head-on-pa)s& and loo%ed Smallest. I did thorn-in-foot. Slippers did 3urrs-in-tail. 'oore did feeling 'agistrate*s thic%-leg& and 3rushing lea!es out of his front. Proper 'an came up slo). #e too% off cap to Smallest. #e said1 *Bo)front #unt& I presume. *-rust your 0race is satisfied )ith amnities of my country.* Smallest said1 **0one

to ground. But it )ere spiffing run. I hunted o)n hounds. Listen& 7ncle+* And he said and he said& li%e he can& a3out things& from find-tofinish. Proper 'an said 'oore1 *2hen you ha!e 6uite done 3ot*ni<ing all o!er your 3elly& p*raps you )ill let me %no).* 'oore said1 *'y fault& me Lord. All my fault. I *a!en*t a shado) of an e(cuse. I )as )hip to one lame fo(& one 3lind *ound& t)o lap-dogs& and a 3a3y+ And it )as the run of me life. A 3it-of-all-sorts& as you might say& me Lord& laid out as if it )as meant to sho) 'aster 4ig3y multum-in-par!o& so to spea%. And may I ne!er *unt again& me Lord& if it *asn*t made *im+* Proper 'an said1 *Let*s ha!e e!ery last yard of it.* 'oore said and said1 Smallest said and said& all one piece mi(ed. Proper 'an as%ed a3out -ags* dou3le& and Smallest*s 3ac%-cast& and Scent and Starling 2ood& and all those things& lots-and-plenty. #e said it )ere 3a3es-and-suc%lings. 2e did not say. 2e tail-thumped )hen names )as said& 3ut no dash-parlour- tric%s. 2e )as proper Pac%. *'iddle of say-so& Kennel-that-'o!es came do)n County road )ith 'issus& )hich had 3een shoppings. She stopped and o!ered )all in one. She came 6uic%. She said1 *4ig3y+ Loo% at your face+* Smallest said1 */h& I forgot& -affy

pec%ed and pitched me for)ard.* She said1 *In you get )ith me& and ha!e it )ashed off.* Smallest said1 */h& 7ncle+* Proper 'an said1 Let him ta%e his hounds home& Polly. #e has earned it.* 'issus said1 *-hen I )ill ta%e Boots and Slippers. -hey don*t hunt.* But )e )ould not. She said. 5ames said. Smallest did not say. So )e )ould not go in Kennel-that-'o!es. 2e )ented all across Par% )ith a!ager and Smallest and -affy and 'oore and 'agistrate and Proper 'an to /)n Kennels-li%e proper Pac%. Please& that is finish for no) of all a3out meand-Slippers. I ma%e Beseech+ TOBY DOG PLEASE& this is only me-3y-selfs. -his is Boots )hich )ere friend of a!ager. I ma%e Beseech...I tell. But I do not understand. *2as time )hen Smallest )ent to .lat-in--o)n for things-in-throat& )hich "et-People cut out so he could sleep shut-mouth& and not e!er catch cold. #e said he )ould 3e dretful-good if )e came after. So )e )ented )ith our Adar in dog-3o(-in-train. 0uard People said )e )as Perfect 0entlemen.

.lat-in--o)n )ere stin%y. Smallest )ere sic%a3ed. -imes after& he lay on couch-3y-)indo)at-3ac% )hich loo%s into garage-place. 2e sat in )indo) 3ecause of cats. /ne time *)as )histle-s6uea%y noises& and .rill Bo(& )ith legs under& came into garage-place. *2as dog& li%e me and Slippers& )ith frilly collar. Plenty Smalls follo)ed-tail. 2e told Smallest. #e came to )indo) in one. #e said1 *#ooray$ Punch-and-5udy+* 4irty 'an& )hich )as legs& came out from under .rill Bo(& and )histle-s6uea%ed )ith things in front of teeth. .rill 4og )al%ed )ith 3ehind-legs and sha%ed hands )ith Smalls li%e 4irty 'an told. 4irty 'an )ent into .rill Bo(. 4ollies came up on little sleepy-3ench in front. /ne )ere all nose and 3endy-3ac% li%e )hich Smallest too% off a Shiny-tree )hen he )ere pup. -hat .rill 4og came up on 3ench and 3it ,ose-4oll on nose. *2as Scrap Blue 4ollie came. *2as plenty Scraps+ ,ose4oll put string round Blue 4ollie and thre) out o!er sleepy-3ench and singed loud. *2as finish. 4irty 'an came out from under 3o(& and sho)ed his inside-hat to Smalls. -hey )ented all a)ay. #e said1 *0arn+ =ou spend fortuns on the mo!ies& you do& 3ut )hen it comes-to-drammer& you run-li%e-ares.* #e

)histle-s6uea%ed and pic%ed up Bo( and )ented. -ime )hiles after that& he came again. Smallest said 5ames& )hich )as up-)ith-the-)ashing *-a%e them do)n to see near-to.* 2e )ented onlead& and sat in front-ro). .rill 4og& )hich )as called -o3y 4og& did all those dash-parlourtric%s for Smalls again. 2e )as ashamed& 3ecause he )ere same-li%e-us. 2e said. -o3y 4og said 3ac%1 *If I )eren*t on-me-Ao3& I*d gi!e you something to sing for.*...5ames too% a)ay 6uic%. -o3y 4og said1 *,ight-night+ 4on*t cho%e yoursel!es& lo!ies+* -ime )hiles more& 4irty 'an came again. Smallest could not go do)n 3ecause of throat. 5ames )ent and tal%ed him plenty. 'an said it )ere high-class-sho)-for-cro)ned-edds& 3ut he )ould )ash-hisself-first. 5ames told 'issus. So& 4irty 'an came up to .lat& and *)as highclass- sho) for Smallest and all-us and our Adar. But -o3y 4og )ere slo) and sorro)ful. 4irty 'an said 'issus& it )ere li%e-master-li%eman& 3ecause -o3y 4og )ore-hisself-outgi!ing-too-much-for-money& and he )anted rest-and-good-%ind-home. -hat )hiles& -o3y 4og lay on 3ac% and rolled eyes li%e sic%-pup.

Adar said1 *If those three get together& they )ill fight till da)n-o-day+ Loo% at Slippers*s face+* 'issus said did-not-%no)-6uite-)hat-'aster)ill-say. 5ames said he could %eep in garage at home& so he could-not-come-into-contracts )ith any one. So& *)as done& and -o3y 4og )as too% do)n )ith 5ames to 3e made )ell-dog. -hreefour day-times after& )e*)ented do)n in dog3o(-train. ,ice 0uard-People said Adar )e )as fit-for-sho)-as-)e-stood. 2hen )e )as home& )e ra33ited round 3orders for 3ones& )hich )e had hid-in case of hungries. -hey )as too%-all+ Slippers said1 *it are that dash--o3y-4og+ C*m )ith& and housetrain him+* 2e )inded him in 2all 0arden. 2e said loud. #e did not say. #e made his eyes ringy- )hite round edges. #e putted his head under his front. #e lifted up 3ehind. #e rolled 3ehind-ends-o!er-heads. #e rolled at us+ .irst *)as )hitey-eyes1 then 3ac%ends rolling at+ 2e had ne!er seen li%e that. It )ere !ile undogful+ But )e did not run. 2hen he rolled 6uite close& )e )ent 3ac%. 2hen he made singings li%e sic% dog& )e )ent 3ac% more 6uic% to /)n 0ods on la)n. 'aster said me1 *#ullo& Boots+ =ou loo% as if something had ruffled your self-esteem. 2hat*s the fuss?* I did not say. I helped him

smo%e-pipe li%e I al)ays do. #arry-)ith-Spade came and said *)as ra33it in !egeta3le-gardens. 'aster got t)o-3ang-gun and )ent. 2e heeled 6uic%. -o3y 4og came out of garage& full-ofhis-dash- self. #e said1 *2hat is?* Slippers said1 *Come and see.* Slippers )ent into ca33ages& and 3olted ra33it& )hich are his *complishment. 'aster fired o!er me and %illed. -o3y 4og )ent a)ay li%e-smo%e. 'aster sent me to 3ac%door )ith ra33it to gi!e our Adar& )hich are one of my *complishments. 2e )ent-find -o3y 4og. #e )ere on turn in 3oot-3o( )here 5ames %eeps shiney-feet-things. #e said1 *2hat )as? 2hat )as?* 2e said1 *-)o-3ang 3usiness.* #e said1 *I cannot do+ I am afraid+ I can not do+* Slippers said1 *=ou are one dash-commonco)ard-thief- s%ug-dog+ 2here are 3ones?* -o3y 4og told. 2e digged up and too% )hich )as left to old La3rador Kennel for safeness. 2e told a!ager. #e )ere pleased of seeing us 3ac%. -o3y 4og came round corner. #e said1 *I may 3e s%ug-dog& 3ut I am not fool. Let me in on your game& and I )ill let you in on mine.* a!ager said1 *2hat are your dirty game?* #e said1 * ats.* And he said he held rat-records at three pu3<....aid1 *2hat are pu3<?* #e said1 *Lummy+ =ou ma%e me ache+* And he said

pu3< )ere )here E )ent after is Ao3. Slippers said1 *2hat are E?* -o3y 4og said1 *Im-)hichis-/)n-0od.* I said1 *2hat are Ao3?* #e said1 *2hat gets you your gru3.* I said1 *-hat are our Adar )hen 3ell goes for /)n 0ods* 'iddle Eats& )hich are Lunch.* #e said1 *=ou %no) fat lots& you do+* a!ager said1 *,o scrappin*+ ealrat to -o3y 4og. 5o3 is same as 3usiness. After 3usiness is trough and sleepy-3ench e!ery)here.* Slippers said1 *#is 3usiness is dash-parlour-tric%s.* And he said a3out 4irty 'an and high-class-sho). But he did not say a3out that in 2all 0arden& )hich )e had seen& 3ecause )e )as ashamed. a!ager said1 *4o parlour-tric%s+* -o3y 4og )al%ed )ith 3ehindlegs long )hiles. #e said there )as not si(dogs-in-the-perfession li%e him. #e said a3out rat-records )hich he held& )hich E& )hich )ere /)n 0od& made 3et<-on. And he said ho) 5ames had ta%en him o!er to 2al% )hen he came do)n& and 'ister-Kent-Peoples 3rought plenty-rats to try-out. And he %illed eight in half a minute on 3arn-floor. #e said 5ames and 'ister-Kent )as dretful pleased& and )as going-to-s%in-the-!illage-ali!e as soon as odds)as-right. 2e did not understand.

Slippers said1 *If you are all this dash-fine-dog& )hy did Im push you off on 5ames and 'issus?* -o3y 4og said1 *It is end of London-season for Im. E don*t need me a)hile. So I play sic%-dog and E sells me to nice-%ind-people for goodome. Presently& E )ill come along and ma%e )histle-s6uea%. I )ill hear and go 3ac% to me Ao3. P*raps it )ill 3e .rill Bo( and 4ollies. P*raps it )ill 3e leading 3lind-man across 'ar3le Arch.* a!ager said1 *Is E 3lind?* -o3y 4og said1 *Blind-enough to get pennies-in-mycup.* a!ager said1 *I am as near 3lind-asma%es- no-odds. I am sorry of E.* I told ho) a!ager had 3een 3linded 3y nice%ind-hen%iller-ladies. -o3y 4og said1 *If I had 3een along *t)ould not ha!e happened.* I )ere dretful angry. a!ager said1 *4rop it& Stoopid+ 0o and eat grass.* So *)as )al%-a3out in 3ac%-gardens. Presently )hiles& 5ames 3rought cage of rats. And tipped out. I %illed one. Slippers one. -o3y 4og %illed four )hich ran all different )ays. 5ames mademuch-of& and said they )ould peel-the3reechesoff-the-!illage. -o3y 4og )ere full-of- hisself. Slippers said1 **2are t)o-3ang-gun+ a33it it& tripe-hound+* *2as 3ig say-and-say. a!ager came up from %ennel. #e said1 *2hat is silly-

ro) no)?* 2e told. a!ager sat and said1 *I do not li%e t)o- 3ang-guns& and my mother egan did not. -o3y 4og is not tripe-hound. #e cannot help himself. It*s same as you )ith s)imming.* I said1 *2e ha!e long hairs and lo)-clearance& 5ames says. /f course )e do not li%e )ater.* a!ager said1 **Same )ith -o3y 4og.* #e told us off plenty for rudenesses& and )ent for sleep-in-fern near -he Kennels in Par%. -o3y 4og said after1 *-hat is one propersort+ -hat is real- true-dog-gent )hich I )ill not e!er forget+* *2as 3ell from house& )hich our Adar rings for us to help Smallest ride )ith 'oore and -affy. 2e ra33ited. -o3y 4og said1 *I come )ith.* It )ere first ride after .lat-in--o)n. *2as 3itof-a-circus )ith -affy 3ecause& 'oore said& that 3one-idle-sta3le-3oy had not e(ercised enough. But Smallest*s legs )as gro)n& and -affy gotno-change. Smallest )ere a 3it full-of-hisself. 'oore said 3ac%1 *4on*t 3e too proud& 'aster 4ig3y+ Seats-and-hands is #ea!en*s gifts.* Smallest )ere dretful *shamed& 3ecause he is Champion eser!e Smallest. 'oore said1 *,ot 3ut )hat you*!e good-right-to.* a!ager pic%ed all us up in fern near -he Kennels. 'oore said

* a!ager has 3een ailing e!er since that motor hit him. I don*t li%e it.* a!ager )himpered-toname. Smallest said1 *#ush+ #e %no)s.* 'oore said1 *-here*s not much he don*t %no).* And he said a!ager had too% to lying-out-in-the-fern after Smallest )ent to .lat& so he could hear #ounds sing on Benches at morning-times for old-sa%e*s-sa%e. Smallest said1 *#as 7ncle Billy found out yet a3out 7pstart?* 'oore said1 *I told you too-much-for-your-age after our Lame .o( run. I *ope you don*t carry tales 3et)i(t me and *is Lordship.* Smallest said1 *Catch me+ But I cannot e!er 3e proper 'aster .o(-hounds *less you tell me all )hat you %no)?* 'oore redded o!er front-of-face. #e said1 *-han% you& 'aster 4ig3y. 2hen your time comes you*ll *a!e to deal )ith such as 7pstart. #e has the loo%s-ofa- ,angel and the guts-of-a-mongrel.* And 'oore said osemary did 7pstart*s )or% for him& )hich )as great-grand-daughter of egan& and ran near-as-mute-as-the-old-lady. And he had )atched 7pstart at fault time and again& and osemary )himpering-in-his-ear to tiphim-the- office& and he ta%ing-all-the-credit. And if& for-any-reason& she )as not out& his second-string )as Loiterer& )hich )as a soft tail-hound& 3ut )ith )onderful-tender-nose.

And he had )atched 7pstart at a chec% play thorn-in-foot till Loiterer came up and put-him)ise. But he said& *is Lordship )as set on 7pstart going to Peter3orough& )hich are )here #ounds go for Crampion eser!es& and the pity )as his loo%s-and- manners-made-it-a-cert. #e said 7pstart )as 3orn impostor& same as 7surper his sire& )hich-should-ne!er-*a!e-3een& 3ut *is Lordship )as misled 3y his loo%s& and )ould not-listen-to-ad!ice. And he said 7m3rage-his-'a )ere a real-narsty-one on herside-of-things. #e said plenty-more-lots )hich I forgot. After pull-up& he said1 *,o)& 'aster 4ig3y& you ha!e %no)n the #ounds since you fell into the meal-3in in your petticoats. 2hat do you thin%?* Smallest said1 *I could hunt any country in all the )orld )ith you and three couple )hich I )ere let choose. And& if a!ager )ere )ell-dog& I )ould ma%e 7ncle Billy present of the odd-couple.* 'oore redded all fresh o!er face. #e said1 *Lord lo!e you+ I shall 3e pushing-up-the-daisies long 3efore that+ But you *a!e it in you. =ou *a!e all three in you-#ound& .o(& and #orse+ But& to get those three couple four-days-a-)ee%& )e ha!e to put up )ith trash-li%e-7pstart.*

After )hiles& *)as gallop. Slippers and a!ager )ent )ith. -o3y 4og said me& sitting1 *-hat )ere rummy rat that man sho)ed a3out that dash-cle!er dog. -ell again.* So I told a3out 7pstart )hich I do not li%e& and ho) he got 'us%eteer help him fight Egoist for a!ager*s place on sleepy-3ench that night )hich a!ager did not cast up. And cho%ed 'us%eteer after. And )ere glutton at the 3rea%-up-and-eat& )hich are not proper-game for lead-hounds& a!ager says& and did ne!er go-in-for. -o3y 4og said1 *It is cruel-ard on perfessional dog to 3e %noc%ed out of his Ao3 for no fault of hisn& li%e that real-old-dog- gent of yours.* I said1 *=ou are not half-3ad-dog.* #e said1 *I am perfessional. I do not tell all I can do& 3ut I )ill put you up to proper rattings.* So )e )ented to 2al% and ric%ed round ric%s. #e sho)ed ho) to chop rats-one-chop-one-rat& and not e!er to sha%e& 3ecause it loses-time-on-the-count& he said. #e told a3out rat-match at pu3-in-!illage& )here he )ere 3ac%ed against .uss& -hird #unt -errier& )hich he said )ere pretty lady-dog )hich he could gi!e ten rats in the minute and scratch-hisself-at-same-time. -hen )e )ented 3ac% to La3rador Kennel. a!ager )as home and told us off proper for

shir%ing-gallop. Slippers came too& 3ecause Smallest )ere at lesson. #e said me he )ere pleased of -o3y 4og not %eeping )ith Smallest& 3ecause he did not )ant Smallest to care for. I said1 *-hat -o3y 4og does not )ant Smallest. #e is dash-cle!er dog )hich does not do more e!er than %ill his rat. Lea!e alone+* So *)as done. -o3y 4og %eeped )ith 5ames a3out rats *cept )hen he )ent rides )ith Smallest and us. /ne time 'oore made that 3one-idle-sta3le- 3oy lay drag to teach -affy Aumps and ditches for cu33ing-times. It )ere dust-3in-herring-tails )hich I %ne). a!ager said drags )as stin%-pot-stuff and )ented home. B'e )ith.C So -o3y 4og led. -ime after that time& Smallest too% him on la)n and said1 *4o tric%s+* -o3y 4og sat and scratched ears. Smallest smac%ed head and said1 *=ou are impostor li%e 7pstart+* -o3y 4og said us after1 *Catch me )or%ing o!ertime for any one *cept Im and your real-true-dog-gent+* #e spea%ed plenty to a!ager a3out hunting and hounds and all those things 3ecause he said he )ere perfessional and )anted to %no) a3out a!ager*s perfession. a!ager li%ed& and told plenty 3ac%. And -o3y 4og sho)ed me real rattings and the )atch-t)o-)hile-you-%ill-one

game. I sat out in fern )ith a!ager& )hich )ere my true friend since )e )as almost pups. And Smallest made -affy Aump-li%e-fleas& 'oore said. So )e )as all happy dogs& that times. -hen *)as rat-match in !illage. -o3y 4og said it )ere a cert& 3ut he )ould gi!e .uss a loo%-in for loo%s* sa%e. -hat )ere night 3efore Bell4ay& and strong Shiny Plate. Slippers and me did )al%-a3outs in gardens )aiting-for-result. B2e are not tied up e!er no) since& that man came o!er garden-)all to see a3out the 3roccoli and )ere nipped on 3ehinds going-3ac%-o!er.C -o3y 4og came home after match& )hich he had )inned 3y )hat-you-dash-li%e. #e said he had )inded 4irty 'an outside Spotted-#oundpu3 in !illage. 2e said1 *2hat rat do you run no)?* #e said1 *E )ill need all day to sleep-itoff. E )ill come to-morro) night. I am glad& 3ecause E is /)n 0od. But I am sorry& 3ecause you t)o and your true-old-gent-dog ha!e done me )ell& and I ad-oped to pay all *fore I sloped. But E is /)n 0od. 2hen E comes& I go )ith.* 2e said1 *Sorry too.* 2e all )ent )al%-a3outs B*)as hedgehogsC and sat.

,e(t day-time )as Bell-4ay and no-silly)ee%end-!isitors& Smallest said. 2e )ented all for 'iddle Eats to Big #ouse& )here Proper 'an li!es& )hich are called 7ncle Billy. /nly *cepting a!ager& )hich lay out in fern 3y the Kennels li%e al)ays. -o3y 4og had )ent to help 5ames collect-de3t<-out-of-that-dashs)indling-sta3le-3oy a3out rat- match. So )e did not see. At 'iddle Eats )as 'aster-'issus and Smallest and Proper 'an and Proper 'issus and my friend Butler& )hich I li%e& and a ne) Peoples )hich )as called 5em& )hich )as 'aster of some #ounds from some-place- else. *2as plenty /)n 0ods* say-and-say a3out hounds-and-feet and those things. Smallest did not say& li%e he does not e!er a3out #ounds. B*Cept to 'oore.C After coffee-sugar& my friend Butler as%ed me into laundry-yard to help a3out rat-in-i!y. I chopped. B*2as cheese.C Butler made carrot3as%et for all-Peoples to gi!e -all #orses. So& *)as )al%-to-Kennels& )hich is al)ays Bell4ay-rat after 'iddle Eats. I pic%ed up a!ager in fern. #e said1 * un along )ith. I ne!er go. I

am no #ound any more.* I )ented into yard )ith all-Peoples. *2as 'oore )hich called out #ounds 3y ones to stand for 3iscuit. *2as plenty more say-andsay a3out legs-and-feet. Smallest did not say& 3ut all hounds spea%ed him small and soft on flags. -hat 'aster 5em said1 *2hy& 4iggy-3oy& they seem to %no) you as )ell as 'oore+* Smallest said 3ac%1 *#o) !e)y odd+* 3ecause he does not li%e old ,ursey--hic%- names casting-up. BSame as me )hen my Adar says *Bootles.*C 'issus said small1 *4ig3y+ Beha!e+* 'oore called out 7pstart 6uic%& and so *)as loud say-and-say a3out loo%s and manners and Bel!oir-tans. B2e played fleas-on-tum.C -hen Proper 'issus put hand-3efore-frontteeth. So& all-Peoples )ent to see -all #orses& *cept Smallest and 'oore. -hen -o3y 4og came round corner from -all #orse Kennels& all small and dusty-loo%ing. #e said us& out of side-mouth1 *Lummy& )hat a s)ine+ If he don*t scare& I*m a goner. #ead my rat+* #e made his eyes ringy-)hite all round& li%e in 2all 0arden. #e putted do)n his head under& and hunched up all his 3ehinds& and rolled himself that undogful )ay )hich )e had seen. But )orse+ It )ere

horra3el+ 7pstart uphac%led. But )e headed -o3y 4og*s rat. 2e singed1 *2hat is? /h& )e are afraid+* -o3y 4og made screamy- draggly noise li%e cat-pups. And rolled at+ 7pstart 3olted out of yard same as pup-for-cutty-)hip& and 3olted into fern )here a!ager )ere. 2e heard plenty yo)l-and-%ai-yai. -o3y 4og unringed his eyes& and )as little cheap s%ugdog& )hich )al%ed a)ay. All-Peoples at #orse Kennels came 3ac% and said loud a3out )haton-earth-)as-the-matterof-7pstart. 'oore said seemingly-he-had-too%-offence-at-the-terrier*sdoings& and )ent-off-li%e-fire-)or%s. -hat 'aster 5em said it )ere dretful- catching-fits& )hich play-deuce-and-all-)ith-Pac%s. Proper 'an )ere angry. Smallest said1 *2on*t he 3e all right for Peter3orough& 7ncle Billy?* Proper 'an said1 *4ash Peter3orough+ 4ash Aac%al+ ,e!er trust 7surper-3lood& 'oore+ I )arned you at the time.* Soon )hiles& 7pstart came 3ac% singing snuff-and-3utter& 'oore said. 'oore did not li%e& and turned him into Kennels )hich did not li%e& 3ecause he )ere 3eaten-hound and telling-it. *2as 3ig Benchscrap+ 'oore )ent in and rated proper. Smallest loo%ed through )indo)& )here a!ager had loo%ed )hen he came 3linded. #e said1

*#ooray+ 'us%eteer has too% 7pstart*s place and 7pstart has Loiterer*s--right at edge 3y door+* Soon )hiles& all-Peoples )ent 3ac% to tea saying say-and-say a3out fits. Smallest )al%ed 3ehind )ith Slippers and me. -ime )hiles he danced. 2e helped. 2e pic%ed up a!ager in fern. I said1 *2e heard. 4id you get?* a!ager said1 *I could not help. #e fell o!er me li%e 3lind dog. I got him across the loins and )renched him on his 3ac%. But he )as in a hurry. 2hat 3egan it?* I told all )hat -o3y 4og had done to 7pstart. a!ager said1 *-hat is a dash-odd-little-dog& 3ut I li%e him. #e hunts )ith his head. **2hat )as the Bench-ro) a3out after)ards?* I told ho) 7pstart had lost 3enchplace to 'us%eteer and had 3een gi!ed Loiterer*s. a!ager said1 *0ood rat to -o3y 4og+ -hat place )as colder than Cots)old )hen I )as a young *un. ,o) I am happy+* 2e )ented all in& and plenty things under tea-ta3le. a!ager did not ta%e. #e sat 3y Proper 'an& head-on-%nee. Proper 'an said1 *2hat*s 3rought you 3ac% to your old *legiance& old fello)? =ou 3elong to 4ig3y no).* a!ager said soft and %issed hand. Proper 'an said1 **Eueer as his 'other 3efore him+* After lots

more say-and-say )e all )ented home *cross Par%. Smallest danced and singed loud till %ennel- up. 2e )ent upstairs to help& li%e al)ays )hen 0u!!y lets. a!ager came )ith. -hat dash-0u!!y said him rudenesses on the stairs. Adar said her1 *Beg pardon& 'iss& 3ut no one e!er 6uestions the old gentleman*s comings-and-goings in this house.* a!ager tail-thumped and %issed Smallest*s t)o hands at pyAarm-time. #e )ent do)n stairs slo)& 3ecause he ne!er-comes-up-to-the-top-landing. #e said me1 *,o) I am all-round-happy-hound. Come see me later& Stoopid. I*!e something to tell you.* I helped 'aster-'issus spend-happye!ening& li%e I do& till Adar came to ta%e out and gi!e night-3ones. After& I )ent for )al%-a3outs )ith Slippers& 3ecause Shiny Plate )ere shiny-strong. 5ames came and called -o3y 4og& )hich he could not find. And dashed and )ented. -o3y 4og came out 3ehind rhu3ar3-pots. #e as%ed a3out 7pstart. 2e told. #e )ere happy dog. #e said he had near-gi!en- Alsatians-fits-that-)ay. #e as%ed if old true-gent-dog a!ager )ere pleased of his doings. #e said he could not gosee him& 3ecause he )ere on-dooty e(pecting Im )hich )as /)n 0od any minute no). And

he said he )ere plenty s%ug-cur a3out that t)o3ang 3usiness )hich )ere not perfessional. 2e said he )ere )onderful 3ra!e dog a3out 7pstart& )hich me and Slippers )ould not ha!e ta%en on. #e said1 *.airy Ann+ .airy Ann+* But he )ere most-happy dog. Presently )hiles *)as )histle- s6uea% do)n lane 3y /rchard. -o3y 4og said1 *-hat*s Im. S*long+* #e )ented all little through hedge. 4irty 'an said outside1 */h+ =ou*!e come& *a!e yer? Come orn+* Please& that is finish all a3out -o3y 4og& )hich a!ager li%ed. B'e too.C Slippers )ent-to-3one. I )ented La3rador Kennel to spea% a!ager& and opied door )ith my nose li%e I can. a!ager said1 *2ho is?* I said1 *Boots.* #e said1 *I %no) that& 3ut 2ho Else came in )ith?* I said1 */nly Boots.* #e said *-here is Some- oneelse-more+ Loo%+* I said *-o3y 4og has gone 3ac% to Im. Slippers has %ennelled-up. It is only me-3y-selfs. But I am loo%ing.* *2as only a!ager and me e!ery)here. a!ager said1 *Sorry+ I am getting 3linder e!ery day. Come and sit close& Stoopid.* I Aumped on sleepy3ench& li%e al)ays& night-times. #e said1 *Sit

closer. I am cold. Curl in 3et)een pa)s& so I can lay head-on3ac%.* So *)as. Presently )hiles& he said1 *If this 3lac% frost holds& good-3ye hunting.* I said1 *It is )arm lea!es-on night& )ith Shiny plate and ra33its-ingrass.* #e said1 *I*ll ta%e your )ord for it&* and put head on my 3ac%& long )hiles all still. -hen he said1 *I %no) no) )hat it )as I meant to tell you& Stoopid. ,e!er )rench a hound as hea!y as yourself at my time of life. It plays the dic%ens )ith your head and nec%.* And he hic%ied. I said1 *Sic%-up& and 3e comfy.* #e said1 *It is not tum-hic%ey. It is in throat and nec%. Lie a 3it closer.* #e dropped head and sleeped. 'e too. Presently )hiles& he said1 *0i!e me my place on the Bench or I*ll ha!e the throat out of you+* I said1 *#ere is all o)n 3ench and all o)n place.* #e said1 *Sorry+ I )ere )ith the old lot.* -hen he dropped head-on-me and sleep-hunted )ith hounds )hich he %ne) )hen he came up from 2al%. I heard and I )ere afraid. I hunched-up-3ac% to )a%e him. #e said& all small& *4on*t go a)ay+ I am old 3lind hound+ I am afraid+ I am afraid of %ennel-that- mo!es+ I cannot see )here here is+* I said1 *#ere is Boots.* #e said1 *Sorry+ =ou are al)ays true friend of a!ager. Keep close& in case if I 3ump.* #e

sleeped more& and Shiny Plate )ent on across o!er. -hen he said1 *I can see+ *'em3er Buc%et on my head? *'em3er Co)-pups )e )as )hac%ed for chasing-pounds-off? *'em3er Bull-in-Par%? I can see all those things& Stoopid. I am happy-hound+ Sorry if I )ere a noosance+* So he sleeped long )hiles. 'e too& ne(t to chest 3et)een pa)s. 2hen I unsleeped& Shiny Plate )as going-to-ground& and hen-gents )as saying at 2al%& and fern-in-Par% )as all shiny. a!ager unsleeped slo). #e ya)ned. #e said& small1 *#ere is one happy hound& )ith *nother happy day ahead+* #e sha%ed himself and sat up. #e said loud1 *It is morning+ Sing& all you Sons of Benches+ Sing+* -hen he fell do)n allone-piece& and did not say. I lay still 3ecause I )ere afraid& 3ecause he did not say any more. Presently )hiles& Slippers came 6uiet. #e said1 *I ha!e )inded Something )hich ma%es me afraid. 2hat is?* I said1 *It is a!ager )hich does not say any more. I am afraid& too.* #e said1 *I are sorry& 3ut a!ager is 3ig strong dog. #e )ill 3e all right soon.* #e )ented a)ay and sat under Smallest*s )indo)& in case of Smallest singing-out at getting-up-time& li%e he al)ays does. I )aited till my Adar opened

%itchen-curtains for 3re%%er. I called. She came 6uic%. She said1 */h& my Bootles+ 'e poor little Bootles+* a!ager did not say her anything. She )ented a)ay to tell. I sat )ith& in case if he might unsleep. Soon)hiles& all-Peoples came-Smallest& 'aster-'issus& and #arry-)ithSpade. Slippers too& )hich stayed 3y his Smallest and %issed hands to ma%e him happypup. -hey too% up to /rchard. #arry digged and put under li%e 3one. But it )ere my a!ager. Smallest said dretful loud& and they )ented a)ay--all--all--*cept my Adar )hich sat on )heel-3arro) and hic%ied. I tried to undig. She pic%ed up& and carried to %itchen& and held me tight )ith apron o!er heads and hic%ied loud. -hey )ould not let me undig more. -here )as tie-up. After )hat )hiles& I )ent for )al%a3outs& in case if p*raps I could find him. I )ented to his lie-do)n in fern. I )ented to 2al% and 2ood ide and 'icefield& and all those old places )hich )as. #e )ere not there. So I came 3ac% and )aited in /rchard& )here he cast up 3linded that night& )hich )ere my true friend a!ager& )hich )ere al)ays good to me since )e )as almost pups& and ne!er minded of my short legs or 3ecause I )ere stoopid. But he did not come...

Please& this is finish for al)ays a3out and me and all those times.

a!ager

Please& I am !ery little small mis*a3le dog+...I do not understand+...I do not understand+ THE SUPPLICATION OF THE BLACK ABERDEEN I PRAY! My little body and whole span Of years is Thine, my Owner and my Man. For Thou hast made me unto Thee I owe This dim, distressed half soul that hurts me so, !ompa"t of e#ery "rime, but, none the less, $ro%en by %nowled&e of its nau&htiness. Put me not from Thy 'ife (tis all I %now. If Thou forsa%e me, whither shall I &o) Thine is the *oi"e with whi"h my +ay be&ins,

Thy Foot my refu&e, e#en in my sins. Thine -onour hurls me forth to testify A&ainst the .n"lean and /i"%ed passin& by. 0$ut when Thou "allest they are of Thy Friends, /ho readier than I to ma%e amends)1 I was Thy +eputy with hi&h and low If Thou dismiss me, whither shall I &o) I ha#e been dri#en forth on &ross offen"e That too% no re"%onin& of my peniten"e, And, in my desolation faithless me! -a#e "rept for "omfort to a woman(s %nee! 2ow I return, self drawn, to meet the 3ust Reward of Riot, Theft and $rea"h of Trust.

Put me not from Thy 'ife thou&h this is so. If Thou forsa%e me, whither shall I &o) Into The Presen"e, flattenin& while I "rawl From head to tail, I do "onfess it all. Mine was the fault deal me the stripes but spare The Pointed Fin&er whi"h I "annot bear! The +readful Tone in whi"h my 2ame is named, That sends me (neath the sofa frill ashamed! 0Yet, to be near Thee, I would fa"e that woe.1 If Thou re3e"t me, whither shall I &o) !an a &ift turn Thee) I will brin& mine all My 4e"ret $one, my Throwin& 4ti"%, my $all. Or wouldst Thou sport) Then wat"h me hunt awhile,

!hasin&, not after "onies, but Thy 4mile, !ontent, as breathless on the turf I sit, Thou shouldst deride my little le&s and wit Ah! 5eep me in Thy 'ife for a fool(s show! If Thou deny me, whither shall I &o!... Is the +ar% &one) The 'i&ht of 6yes restored) The !ountenan"e turned meward, O my 'ord) The Paw a""epted, and for all to see The Ab3e"t 4inner throned upon the 5nee) The 6ars bewrun&, and Mu77le s"rat"hed be"ause -e is for&i#en, and All is as It was) 2ow am I in Thy 'ife, and sin"e (tis so That !at awaits the 8ud&ment. May I &o)

A SEA DOG 2#E, that sloop %no)n to ha!e 3een in the 2est Indies trade for a century had 3een repaired 3y 'r. andolph of Stephano*s Island& there arose 3et)een him and her o)ner& 'r. 0ladstone 0allop& a deep-draught pilot& Admiral BretiredC Lord #eatleigh& and 'r. 2inter "ergil& .,. Balso retiredC& the 6uestion ho) she )ould 3est sail. -his could only 3e settled on trial trips of the a3o!e Committee& a3ly assisted 3y Lil& 'r. andolph*s mongrel fo(-terrier& and& sometimes& the Commander of the #.'.S. Bulleana& )ho )as the Admiral*s nephe). Lil had 3een slid into a loc%er to %eep dry till they reached easier )ater. -he others lay aft )atching the 3readths of the all-coloured seas. 'r. 0allop at the tiller& )hich had replaced the )heel& said as little as possi3le& 3ut condescended& 3efore that company& to ma%e his 3oat sho) off among the reefs and passages of coral )here his 3usiness and delight lay. 'r. "ergil& not for the first time& Austified himself to the Commander for his handling of the great Parrot Pro3lem& )hich has 3een told

else)here. -he Commander tactfully agreed )ith the main principle that--man& 3east& or 3ird--discipline must 3e preser!ed in the Ser!ice$ and that& so far& 'r. "ergil had done right in disrating& 3y cutting off her tailfeathers& 5osephine& alias 5emmy eader& the 2est African parrot... #e himself had %no)n a dog--his o)n dog& in fact--almost 3orn& and altogether 3rought up& in a destroyer& )ho had not only 3een rated and disrated& 3ut also re-rated and promoted& completely understanding the )hile )hat had happened& and )hy. *Come out and listen&* said 'r. andolph& reaching into the loc%er. *-his*ll do you good.* Lil came out& limp o!er his hand& and 3raced herself against the snap and Aer% of a sudden rip )hich 'r. 0allop )as cutting across. #e had stood in to sho) the Admiral 0allop*s Island )hose original grantees had freed their Cari3 sla!es more than a hundred years ago. -hese had naturally ta%en their o)ners* family name$ so that no) there )ere many 0allops--gentle& straight-haired men of su3stance and ancestry& )ith manners to match& and instinct& 3eyond all

%no)ledge& of their home Panama& that is& to Pernam3uco.

)aters--from

-he Commander told a tale of an ancient destroyer on the China station )hich& )ith three others of e6ual seniority& had 3een hurried o!er to the East Coast of England )hen the ,a!y called up her !eterans for the 2ar. #o) 'alachi--'ichael& 'i%e& or 'ic%ey--thro!e a3oard the old 'a%ee-do& on )hose 3oo%s he )as rated as *Pup&* and learned to clim3 oily steel ladders 3y hoo%ing his fore-feet o!er the rungs. #o) he )as used as a tippet round his master*s nec% on the 3ridge of cold nights. #o) he had his o)n special area& on dec% 3y the raft& sacred to his pri!ate concerns& and ne!er did anything one hair*s-3readth outside it. #o) he possessed an officers* ste)ard of the name of .ur<e& his de!oted champion and trumpeter through the little flotilla )hich )or%ed together on con!oy and escort duties in the ,orth Sea. -hen the )astage of )ar 3egan to tell and...-he Commander turned to the Admiral. *-hey dished me out a ne) "olunteer su3 for .irst Lieutenant--a youngster of nineteen--)ith a hand on him li%e a ham and a !oice li%e a pneumatic ri!eter& though he couldn*t

pronounce >r> to sa!e himself. I found him sitting on the )ardroom ta3le )ith his cap on& scratching his leg. #e said to me& >2ell& old top& and )hat*s the 3ig idea for to-mo))o)*s agony?> I told him--and a 3it more. #e )asn*t upset. #e )as really grateful for a hint ho) things )ere run on >3ig ships> as he called *em. B'a%ee-do )as three hundred ton& I thin%.C #e*d ser!ed in Coastal 'otor Boats retrie!ing corpses off the Cornish coast. #e told me his s%ipper )as a !et )ho called the s)ells >fu))o)s> and thought he ought to %eep 3et)een *em. #is name )as Eustace Cyril Chidden$ and his papa )as a sugar-refiner...* Surprise )as here e(pressed in !arious 6uarters$ 'r. 2inter "ergil adding a fe) remar%s on the decadence of the ,e) ,a!y. *,o&* said the Commander. *-he >old top> 3usiness had nothing to do )ith it. #e Aust didn*t %no)--that )as all. But 'i%e too% to him at once. *2ell& )e )ere 3ooted out& one night later& on special duty. ,o mar%s or lights of course-raining& and confused seas. As soon as I*d made an offing& I ordered him to ta%e the 3ridge. Cyril trots up& his 3oots greased& the complete

,./. 'i%e and I stood 3y in the chart-room. Pretty soon& he told off old Shide& our -orpedo Co(s)ain& for 3eing a 6uarter-point off his course. B#e )as& too$ 3ut he )asn*t pleased.C A 3it later& Cyril ships his steam-ri!eter !oice and tells him he*s all o!er the card& and if he does it again he*ll 3e >)elie!ed.> It )ent on li%e this the )hole tric%$ 'ichael and me )aiting for Shide to mutiny. 2hen Shide came off& I as%ed him )hat he thought )e*d dra)n. >Either a dud or a diamond&> says Shide. >-here*s no middle )ay )ith that muster.> -hat ga!e me the notion that Cyril might 3e )orth %ic%ing. So )e all had a hac% at him. #e li%ed it. #e did& indeed+ #e said it )as so >inte)esting> 3ecause 'a%eedo >steered li%e a )itch&> and no one e!er dreamed of trying to steer C.'.B.*s. -hey must ha!e 3een 3loody pirates in that trade& too. #e )as used to %noc%ing men a3out to ma%e *em attend. #e threatened a stay-ma%er*s apprentice Bthey )ere pushing all sorts of shore-muc%ings at usC for imitating his lisp. It )as smoothed o!er& 3ut the man made the most of it. #e )as a Bolshie 3efore )e %ne) )hat to call *em. #e %ic%ed 'ichael once )hen he thought no one )as loo%ing& 3ut .ur<e sa)& and the 3lighter got

his head cut on a hatch-coaming. -hat didn*t ma%e him any s)eeter.* A t)enty-thousand-ton liner& full of thirsty passengers& passed them on the hori<on. 'r. 0allop ga!e her name and that of the pilot in charge& )ith some scandal as to her )ea%ness at certain speeds and turns. *,ot so good a sea-3oat as her+* #e pointed at a s6uare-faced tug--or 3ut little larger--punching da<<le-)hite )edges out of indigo-3lue. -he Admiral stood up and pronounced her a ,orth Sea mine-s)eeper. **2as. *.erry-3oat no)&* said 'r. 0allop. **,e!er 3een stopped 3y )eather since ten years.* -he Commander shuddered aloud& as the old thing sho!elled her )ay along. *But she sleeps dry&* he said. *2e li!ed in a foot of )ater. /ur dec%s lea%ed li%e anything. 2e had to shore our 3ul%heads )ith 3roomstic%s practically e!ery other trip. 'ost of our people )eren*t 3ro%e to the life& and it made *em stic%y. I had to tighten things up.* -he Admiral and 'r. "ergil nodded.

*-hen& one day& Chidden came to me and said there )as some feeling on the lo)er dec% 3ecause 'i%e )as still rated as >Pup> after all his sea-time. #e thought our people )ould li%e him 3eing promoted to 4og. I as%ed )ho*d gi!en *em the notion. >'e&> says Cyril. >I thin% it*ll help de-louse *em mo)ally.> /f course I instructed him to go to #ell and mind his o)n Ao3. -hen I notified that 'i%e )as to 3e 3orne on the ship*s 3oo%s as A3le 4og 'alachi. I )as on the 3ridge )hen the )atches )ere told of it. -hey cheered. .o*c*sle afloat$ galley-fire missing as usual$ 3ut they cheered. -hat*s the Lo)er 4ec%.* 'r. "ergil ru33ed hands in assent. *4id 'i%e %no)& 'r. andolph? #e did. #e used to sniff forrard to see )hat the men*s dinners )ere going to 3e. If he appro!ed& he )ent and patronised *em. If he didn*t& he came to the )ardroom for shar%s and 2orcester sauce. #e )as a great free-fooder. But--the day he )as promoted 4og--he trotted round all messes and thre) his little )eight a3out li%e an Admiral*s inspection--7ncle. B#e )asn*t larger than Lil& there.C ,e(t time )e )ere in for 3oiler-clean& I got him a 3rass collar engra!ed

)ith his name and rating. I s)ear it )as the only 3it of 3right )or% in the ,orth Sea all the 2ar. -hey fought to polish it. /h& 'alachi )as a great A3le 4og& those days& 3ut he ne!er forgot his decencies...* 'r. andolph here dre) Lil*s attention to this. *2ell& and then our Bolshie-3ird oo<ed a3out saying that a ship )here men )ere treated li%e dogs and !ice !ersa )as no catch. Euite true& if correct$ 3ut it spreads despondency and attracts the 3aser elements. =ou see?* *Anything*s an e(cuse )hen they are hanging in the )ind&* said 'r. "ergil. *And )hat might you ha!e had for the standing-part of your tac%le?* *=ou %no) as )ell as I do& "ergil. -he old cro)d--0unner& Chief Engineer& Coo%& Chief Sto%er& and -orpedo Co(. But& no denyin*& )e )ere hellish uncomfy. -hose old thirty-%notters had no 3o)s or free3oard to spea% of& and no officers* 6uarters. BSleep )ith your 0unner*s soc%s in your mouth& and so on.C =ou remem3er *em& sir?* -he Admiral did--)hen the century )as young--and some pirate-hunting 3ehind muddy islands. 'r. 0allop dran% it in. #is )ar e(periences had ranged no further than

the .al%lands& )hich he had !isited as one of the pri<e-cre) of a 0erman sailing-ship pic%ed up Patagonia-)ay and sent south under charge of a modern su3-lieutenant )ho had not the ha<iest notion ho) to get the can!as off a 3ar6ue in full career for !ertical cliffs. #e told the tale. 'r. andolph& )ho had heard it 3efore& 3rought out a meal sent 3y 'rs. "ergil. 'r. 0allop laid the sloop on a slant )here she could loo% after herself )hile they ate. Lil earned her share 3y sho)ing off her fe) small tric%s. *'ongrels are al)ays smartest&* said 'r. andolph half defiantly. *4on*t call *em mongrels.* -he Commander t)ea%ed Lil*s impudent little ear. *'i%e )as a 3it that )ay. Call *em >mi(ed.> -here*s a difference.* -he tiger-lily flush inherited from his ancestors on the mainland flared a little through the 3ro)n of 'r. 0allop*s chee%. * ight&* said he. *-here*s a heap differ *t)i(t mongrel and mi(ed.* And in due time& so far as -ime )as on those 3eryl floors& they came 3ac% to the Commander*s tale.

It co!ered increasing discomforts and disgusts& !aried 3y escapes from 3eing 3lo)n out of )ater 3y their o)n side in fog$ affairs )ith su3marines$ arguments )ith pig-headed con!oy-captains& and endless toil to maintain 'a%ee-do a3reast of her )or% )hich the gro)ing ignorance and lo)ering morale of the ne) drafts made harder. *-he only one of us )ho %ept his tail up )as A3le 4og 'alachi. #e )as an asset& let alone 3eing my tippet on )atch. I used to 3utton his front and hind legs into my coat& )ith t)o turns of my comforter o!er all. 4id he li%e it? #e had to. It )as his station in action. But he had his enemies. I*!e told you )hat a refined person he )as. 2ell& one day& a 3u<< )ent round that he had defiled #is 'aAesty*s 6uarterdec%. .ur<e reported it to me& and& as he said& >Beggin* your pardon& it might as )ell ha!e 3een any of us& sir& as him.> I as%ed the little fello) )hat he had to say for himself$ confronting him )ith the circumstantial e!idence of course. #e )as !ery offended. I %ne) it 3y the )ay he stiffened ne(t time I too% him for tippet. Chidden )as sure there had 3een some dirty )or% some)here$ 3ut he thought a Court of In6uiry might do good and settle one or t)o other things that )ere

loose in the ship. /ne party )anted 'i%e disrated on the e!idence. -hey )ere the--* *I %no) *em&* sighed 'r. "ergil$ his eyes piercing the years 3ehind him. *-he other lot )anted to find out the man )ho had tampered )ith the--the circumstantial e!idence and pitch him into the ditch. At that particular time& )e )ere escorting mine-s)eepers--e!ery one a 3it Aumpy. I sa) )hat Chidden )as dri!ing at& 3ut I )asn*t sure our cro)d here )ere mariners enough to ta%e the in6uiry seriously. Chidden s)ore they )ere. #e*d 3een through the Crystal Palace training himself. -hen I said& >'a%e it so. I )ai!e my rights as the dog*s o)ner. 4iscipline*s discipline& tell *em$ and it may 3e a counter-irritant.> *-he trou3le )as there had 3een a fog& on the morning of the crime& that you couldn*t spit through$ so no one had seen anything. ,aturally& 'i%e sculled a3out as he pleased$ 3ut his regular routine-- he slept )ith me and Chidden in the )ardroom--)as to ta%e off from our stomachs a3out three 3ells in the morning )atch Bhalf-past fi!eC and trot up topside to attend to himself in his o)n place. But the e!idence& you see& )as found near the

3andstand--the after si(- pounder$ and accused )as incapa3le of testifying on his o)n 3ehalf... 2ell& that Court of In6uiry had it up and do)n and thort-ships all the time )e )ere co!ering the mines)eepers. It )as a foul area$ rather too close to .rit<*s coast. 2e only dre) se!en feet& so )e )ere more or less safe. /ur supporting cruisers lay on the edge of the area. .rit< had messed that up months 3efore& and lots of his )arts--mines-- had 3ro%e loose and )ere 3o33ing a3out$ and then our specialists had s)ept it& and laid do)n areas of their o)n& and so on. Any other time all hands )ould ha!e 3een loo%ing out for loose mines. B-hey ha!e horns that nod at you in a sic%ly-friendly-fris%y )ay )hen they roll.C But& )hile 'i%e*s in6uiry )as on& all hands )ere too )or%ed-up o!er it to spare an eye out3oard.../h& 'i%e %ne)& 'r. andolph. 'a%e no mista%e. #e %ne) he )as in for trou3le. -he Prosecution )ere too crafty for him. -hey stuc% to the e!idence--the locus in 6uo and so on...Sentence? 4israting to Pup again& )hich carried loss of 3adge- of-ran%--his collar. .ur<e too% it off& and 'ic%ey lic%ed his hand and .ur<e )ept li%e Peter...-hen 'ic%ey hoic%ed himself up to the 3ridge to tell me a3out it& and I made much of him. #e )as a

distressed little dog. =ou %no) ho) they snuffle and snuggle up )hen they feel hurt.* -hough the 6uestion )as to 'r. hands ans)ered it. andolph& all

*-hen our people )ent to dinner )ith this crime on their consciences. -hose )ho felt that )ay had got in on me through 'ichael.* *2hy did you ma%e *em the chance?* the Admiral demanded %eenly. *-o di!ide the sheep from the goats& sir. It )as time...2ell& )e )ere second in the line--#o)come and .an-%)ai ne(t astern and #op- hell& our flagship& leading. 2ithers )as our Senior /fficer. 2e called him >5oss> 3ecause he )as al)ays so infernally luc%y. It )as flat calm )ith patches of fog& and our s)eepers finished on time. 2hile )e )ere escorting *em 3ac% to our cruisers& 5oss pic%ed up some )ireless 3u<< a3out a su3marine spotted from the air& surfacing o!er to the north- east-pro3a3ly recharging. #e detached #o)-come and .an%)ai to go on )ith our s)eepers& )hile him and me )ent-loo%-see. 2e dodged in and out of fog-patches--t)o-mile !isi3ility one minute and 3lind as a 3andage the ne(t-then a 3it of <incy

sun li%e a photograph--and so on. 2ell& 3rea%ing out of one of these patches )e sa) a su3marine recharging-hatches open& and a man on dec%--not a mile off our port 6uarter. 2e s)ung to ram and& as he came 3roadside on to us& I sa) #op-hell slip a mouldie--fire a torpedo--at him& and my 0unner naturally follo)ed suit. By the mercy o* 0od& they 3oth strea%ed ahead and astern him& 3ecause the chap on dec% 3egan )a!ing an open 3rolly at us li%e an old maid hailing a 3us. -hat fetched us up sliding on our tails& as you might say. -hen he said& >2hat do you silly 3astards thin% you*re doin*?> B#e )as Conolly& and some of his cro)d had told us& ashore& that the 3rolly )as his pri!ate code. -hat*s )hy )e didn*t fire on sight& sir.--> ed> Conolly& not >Blac%.>C #e told us he*d gone pretty close inshore on spec the night 3efore and had 3een hunted a 3it and had to lie doggo& and he*d heard three or four 3ig ships go o!er him. #e told us )here that )as& and )e stood 3y till he*d finished recharging and )e ga!e him his position and he sculled off. #e said it )as hellish thic% o!er to)ards the coast& 3ut there seemed to 3e something doing there. So )e proceeded& on the tip Conolly ga!e us.../h& )ait a minute+ 5oss*s

0unner prided himself on carrying all the silhouettes of .rit<*s na!y in his fat head& and he had s)orn that Conolly*s craft )as the duplicate of some dam 7-3oat. #ence his shot. I 3elie!e 5oss pretty )ell s%inned him for it& 3ut that didn*t alter the fact )e*d only one mouldie apiece left to carry on )ith... *Presently 5oss fetched a sharp sheer to port& and I sa) his 3o)-)a!e thro) off something that loo%ed li%e the horns of a mine$ 3ut they )ere only three or four hoc% 3ottles. 2e don*t drin% hoc% much at sea.* 'r. andolph and 'r. 0allop smiled. -here are fe) li6uors that the inha3itants of Stephano*s Island do not %no)--3ottled& 3arrelled& or 6uite loose. -he Commander continued. *-hen 5oss told me to come alongside and hold his hand& 3ecause he felt ner!ous.* -he Commander here e(plained ho)& )ith a proper arrangement of fenders& a trusty -orpedo Co( at the )heel& and not too much roll on& destroyers of certain types can run side 3y side close enough for their captains to tal% e!en

confidentially to each other. #e ended& *2e used to slam those old do)agers a3out li%e sampans.* *=ou youngsters al)ays thin% you disco!ered na!igation&* said the Admiral. *2here did you steal your fenders from?* *-hat )as Chidden*s pigeon in port& sir. #e )as the 3iggest thief 3ar three in the Ser!ice. C.'.B.*s are a 3ad school...So& then& )e proceeded--3ridge to 3ridge--chinning all comfy. 5oss said those hoc% 3ottles and the 3ig ships )al%ing o!er Conolly interested him strangely. It )as shoaling and )e more or less made out the set of the tide. 2e didn*t chuc% anything o!er3oard& though$ and Aust a3out sunset in a clear patch )e passed another co!ey of hoc% 3ottles. 'i%e spotted them first. #e used to po%e his little nose up under my chin if he thought I )as missing anything. -hen it got 3lind-thic%& as Conolly said it )ould& and there )as an ungodly amount of gi33er on the )ireless. 5oss said it sounded li%e a .rit< tipand-run raid some)here and )e might come in handy if the fog held. B=ou couldn*t see the dec% from the 3ridge.C #e said I*d 3etter hand him o!er my sur!i!ing mouldie 3ecause he )as

going to slip *em himself hence- for)ard& and 3ac% his o)n luc%. 'y tu3es )ere nothing to )rite home a3out& anyho). So )e passed the thing o!er& and proceeded. 2e cut do)n to 3are steerage-)ay at last Byou couldn*t see your hand 3efore your face 3y thenC and )e listened. =ou listen 3etter in fog.* *But it doesn*t gi!e you your 3earings&* said 'r. 0allop earnestly. *-rue. -hen you fancy you hear things--li%e )e did. -hen 'i%e 3egan po%ing up under my chin again. #e didn*t imagine things. I passed the )ord to 5oss& and a minute or t)o after& )e heard !oices--they sounded miles a)ay. 5oss said& >-hat*s the hoc%-3ottler. #e*s hunting his home channel. I hope he*s too 3othered to )orry a3out us$ 3ut if this stuff lifts )e*ll )ish )e )ere Conolly.> I 3uttoned 'i%e )ell in to me 3osom and too% an e(tra turn of my comforter round him& and those ghastly !oices started again--up in the air this time& and all do)n my nec%. -hen something 3ig )ent astern& 3oth scre)s--then ahead dead slo)-- then shut off. 5oss )hispered& >#e*s atop of us+> I said& >,ot yet. 'i%e*s )inding .. him to star3oard+> -he little chap had his head out of my comforter

again& sniffin* and po%ing my chin...And then& 3y 0od+ the 3lighter slid up 3ehind us to star3oard. 2e couldn*t see him. 2e felt him ta%e )hat )ind there )as& and )e smelt him-hot and sour. #e )as passing soundings to the 3ridge& 3y !oice. I suppose he thought he )as practically at home. 5oss )hispered& >0o ahead and cuddle him till you hear me yap. -hen amuse him. I shall slip my second 3y the flare of his 3atteries )hile he*s trying to strafe you.> So he faded off to port and I )ent ahead slo)-oh& perishing slo)+ Shide s)ore after)ards that he made out the loom of the 3rute*s stern Aust in time to sa!e his star3oard propeller. -hat )as )hen my heart stopped )or%ing. -hen I heard my port fenders s6uea% li%e )et cor% along his side& and there )e )ere cuddling the hoc%3ottler+ If you lie close enough to anything 3ig he can*t theoretically depress his guns enough to get you.* 'r. 0allop smiled again. #e had %no)n that game played in miniature 3y a motor-launch off the Bahamas under the flaring 3o)s of a foreign pre!enti!e 3oat. *....unny to lie up against a 3ig ship ea!esdropping that )ay. 2e could hear her fans and

engine-room 3ells going& and some poor de!il )ith a deuce of a cough. I don*t %no) ho) long it lasted& 3ut& all that a)ful )hile& .rit< )ent on )ith his house%eeping o!erhead. I*d sent Shide aft to the relie!ing tac%les--I had an idea the )heel might go--and put Chidden on the t)el!e-pounder on the 3ridge. 'y 0unner had the for)ard si(-pounders& and I %ept 'a%ee-do cuddling our friend. -hen I heard 5oss yap once& and then the de!il of a clang. #e*d got his first shot home. 2e got in three rounds of the t)el!e& and the si(es cut into her na%ed s%in atoh& fifteen feet it must ha!e 3een. -hen )e all di!ed aft. B'y e)e-torpedo )ouldn*t ha!e 3een any use anyho). -he head )ould ha!e hit her side 3efore the tail )as out of the tu3e.C She )o%e up and 3la<ed off all star3oard 3atteries& 3ut she couldn*t depress to hit us. -he 3last of *em )as enough& though. It %noc%ed us deaf and sic% and silly. It pushed my 3ridge and the t)el!e-pounder o!er to star3oard in a heap& li%e a set of fire-irons& and it opened up the top of the for)ard funnel and flared it out li%e a tulip. She put another sal!o o!er us that )inded us again. 'ind you& )e couldn*t hear that+ 2e felt it. -hen )e )ere Aarred side)ays--a sort of co)-%ic%& and I thought it )as finish. -hen

there )as a sort of ripping )oolly feel--not a noise--in the air& and I sa) the ha<e of a 3ig gun*s flash strea%ing up o!erhead at a3ou* thirty degrees. It occurred to me that she )as rolling a)ay from us and it )as time to stand clear. So )e )ent astern a 3it. And that ha<e )as the only sight I got of her from first to last+...After a )hile& )e felt a3out to ta%e stoc% of the trou3le. /ur 3ridge-)rec%age )as listing us a good deal to star3oard1 the funnel spe)ed smo%e all o!er the shop and some of the stays )ere cut$ )ireless smashed$ compasses cra<y of course$ raft and all loose fittings lifted o!er3oard$ hatches and such-li%e strained or Aammed and the dec% lea%ing a shade more than usual. But no casualties. A fe) ratings cut and 3ruised 3y 3eing chuc%ed against things& and& of course& general 3leeding from the nose and ears. But-funny thing--)e all shoo% li%e palsy. -hat lasted longest. 2e all )ent a3out shouting and sha%ing. Shoc%& I suppose.* *And 'i%e?* 'r. andolph as%ed. */h& he )as all right. #e had his teeth )ell into my comforter throughout. *.irst thing after action& he hopped do)n to the )ardroom and lapped up pints. -hen he tried to dig the gas

taste out of his mouth )ith his pa)s. -hen he )anted to attend to himself& 3ut he found all his pri!ate area gone )est )ith the other unsecured gadgets. #e )as !ery indignant and told .ur<e a3out it. .ur<e 3ello)s into my ear& >-hat*s proof it couldn*t ha!e 3een him on the 6uarterdec%& sir& 3ecause& if e!er any one )as Austified in 3eing promiscuous& no) )ould 3e the time. But *e*s as dainty as a duchess.>...Laugh a)ay+--It )asn*t any laughing matter for 4on 'iguel.* *--I 3eg his pardon+ #o) did you settle his daintiness?* said the Admiral. *I ga!e him special lea!e to 3e promiscuous& and Aust 3ecause I laughed he gro)led li%e a young tiger...=ou mayn*t 3elie!e )hat comes ne(t& 3ut it*s fact. .i!e minutes later& the )hole ship )as going o!er 'i%e*s court-martial once again. -hey )ere digging out li%e 3ea!ers to repair damage& and chinning at the top of their !oices. And a year--no--si( months 3efore& half of *em )ere Crystal Palace na!al e(hi3its+* *Same )ith shanghaied hands&* said 'r. 0allop& putting her a3out )ith a nudge of his shoulder on the tiller and some almost impercepti3le touch on a sheet. -he )ind )as rising.

*...I ran out of that fog at last li%e running out of a tunnel. I )or%ed my )ay off shore& more or less 3y soundings& till I pic%ed up a star to go home 3y. Arguin* that 5oss *ud do a3out the same& I )aited for him )hile )e )ent on cutting a)ay )hat )as left of the 3ridge and restaying the funnel. It )as flat calm still$ the coast-fog lying all along li%e cliffs as far as you could see. *4ramatic& too& 3ecause& )hen the light came& 5oss shot out of the fog three or four miles a)ay and hared do)n to us clearing his ha)sers for a to). 2e did loo% rather a dung3arge. I signalled )e )ere all right and good for thirteen %nots& )hich )as one dam lie...2ell...so then )e proceeded line-ahead& and 5oss sat on his depth-charge-rac% aft& semaphoring all a3out it to me on my fo*c*slehead. #e had landed the hoc%-3ottler to port )ith his first shot. #is second--it touched off her for)ard maga<ine--)as my 3orro)ed one$ 3ut he reported it as >a torpedo from the dec% of my Second in Command+> She )as sho)ing a 3la<e through the fog then& so it )as a sitting shot--at a3out a hundred yards& he thought. #e ne!er sa) any more of her than I did& 3ut he smelt a lot of 3urnt cor%. She might ha!e 3een

some old craft pac%ed )ith cor% li%e a life-3oat for a tip-and-run raid. 2e ne!er %ne).* E!en in that short time the )ind and the purpose of the )a!es had strengthened. *All right&* said 'r. 0allop. *,othin* due *fore tomorro).* But 'r. andolph& under sailingorders from 'rs. "ergil& had the oils%ins out ere the sloop lay do)n to it in earnest. *-hen-after that?* said he. *2ell& then )e proceeded$ 5oss flag-)agging me his ne)s& and all hands 3usy on our funnel and minor running-repairs& 3ut all arguin* 'i%e*s case hotter than e!er. And all of us sha%ing.* *2here )as 'i%e?* 'r. andolph as%ed as a cut )a!e-top slashed across the dec%. *4oing tippet for me on the fo*c*sle& and telling me a3out his great deeds. #e ne!er 3ar%ed& 3ut he could chin li%e a Pe%e. -hen 5oss changed course. I thought it might 3e mines& 3ut ha!ing no 3ridge I had no command of sight. -hen )e passed a torpedo-3earded man lolling in a life3elt& )ith his head on his arms& s6uinting at us-li%e a drun% at a pu3...4ead? Euite...=ou ne!er

can tell ho) the lo)er dec%*ll ta%e anything. -hey stared at it and our Coo% said it loo%ed saucy. -hat )as all. -hen .ur<e screeched1 >But for the grace o* 0od that might 3e 3loody-all of us+> And he carried on )ith that 3it of the 'arriage Ser!ice-->I ree-6uire an* charge you as ye shall ans)er at the 4ay of 5udgment& )hich 3lin%in* hound of you tampered )ith the e!idence re 'alachi. emem3er that 3eggar out in the )et is listenin*.> *Sounds silly& 3ut it ga!e me the creeps at the time. I heard the Bolshie say that a Ao%e )as a Ao%e if too% in the right spirit. -hen there )as a 3it of a mi(-up round the funnel& 3ut of course I )as 3usy s)apping yarns )ith 5oss. 2hen I )ent aft--I didn*t hurry--our Chief Sto%er )as standing o!er .ur<e& )hile Chidden and Shide )ere fending off a small cro)d )ho )ere lusting for the Bolshie*s 3lood. B#e had a punch& too& Cy)il.C It loo%ed to me--3ut I couldn*t ha!e s)orn to it--that the Chief Sto%er scraped up a %nife )ith his foot and hoofed it o!er3oard.* *Knife+* the shoc%ed Admiral interrupted. *A )ardroom %nife& sir& )ith a ground edge on it. .ur<e had 3een a Leicester S6uare )aiter or pimp or something& for ten years& and he*d

contracted foreign ha3its. By the time I too% care to reach the )or%ing-party& they )ere carrying on li%e marionettes& 3ecause they hadn*t got o!er their sha%es& you see...I didn*t do anything. I didn*t e(pect the t)o men Chidden had 3iffed *ud complain of him as long as the Bolshie )as ali!e$ and our Chief Sto%er had mopped up any a)%)ard e!idence against .ur<e. All things considered& I felt rather sorry for the Bolshie...Chidden came to me in the )ardroom after)ards& and said the man had as%ed to 3e >seg)egated> for his o)n safety. /h yes+--he*d o)ned up to tampering )ith the e!idence. I said I couldn*t )ell crime the s)ine for 3lac%ening a dog*s character$ 3ut I*d reinstate and promote 'ichael& and the lo)er dec% might dra) their o)n conclusions. >-hen they*ll %ill the Bolshie&> says the young *un. >,o&> I said& >C.'.B.*s don*t %no) e!erything& Cy)il. -hey*ll put the fear of death on him& 3ut they )on*t scupper him. 2hat*s he doing no)?> >2econst)ucting 'i%e*s p)i!ate a)ea& )ith Shide and .ur<e standing o!er him g)inding their teeth.> >-hen he*s safe&> I said. >I*ll send 'i%e up to see if it suits him. But )hat a3out 4a)%ins and Pratt?> -hose )ere the t)o men Cyril had laid out )hile the Chief Sto%er )as

6uenching the engine-room ratings. -hey didn*t lo!e the Bolshie either. >.ull of 3eans and 3lac%mail+> he says. >I told *em I*d sa!ed *em f)om 3eing hung& 3ut they )ant a sardinesupper for all hands )hen )e get in.>* *But )hat*s a Chief Sto%er doin* on the upper dec%?* said 'r. "ergil pee!ishly& as he humped his 3ac% against a solid douche. *Preser!ing discipline. /urs could mend anything from the )ardroom cloc% to the sto!e& and he*d ma%e a sailor of anything on legs-same as you used to& 'r. "ergil...2ell& and so )e proceeded& and )hen Chidden reported the >a)ea> fit for use I sent 'i%e up to test it.* *4id 'i%e %no)?* said 'r. andolph. *4on*t as% me )hat he did or didn*t& or you might call me a liar. -he Bolshie apologised to 'alachi pu3licly& after Chidden ga!e out that I*d promoted him to 2arrant 4og >for conspicuous gallant)y in action and gi!ing !alua3le information as to enemy*s )hai)a3outs in course of same.> So .ur<e put his collar on again& and ga!e the Bolshie his name and rating.*

-he Commander 6uoted it--self-e(planatory indeed& 3ut not such as the meanest in #is 'aAesty*s Ser!ice )ould care to ans)er to e!en for one day. *It )ent through the )hole flotilla.* -he Commander repeated it& )hile the others laughed those gross laughs )omen find so incomprehensi3le. *4id he stay on?* said 'r. "ergil. *Because I %ne) a sto%er in the old 'inotaur )ho cut his throat for half as much as that. It ta%es *em funny sometimes.* *#e stayed )ith us all right$ 3ut he e(perienced a change of heart& 'r. "ergil.* *I*!e seen such in my time&* said the Ancient. -he Admiral nodded to himself. 'r. 0allop at the tiller half rose as he peered under the foresail& preparatory to ta%ing a short-cut )here the coral gi!es no more second chance than a tiger*s pa). In half an hour they )ere through that channel. In an hour& they had passed the huge liner tied up and discharging her thirsty passengers opposite the li6uor-shops that face the 6uay. Some& )ho could not suffer the four

and a half minutes* )al% to the nearest hotel& had already run in and come out tearing the )rappings off the )his%y 3ottles they had 3ought. 'r. 0allop held on to the 3ottom of the har3our and fetched up )ith a sliding curtsey 3eneath the mangro!es 3y the 3oat-shed... *I don*t %no) )hether I*!e gi!en you 6uite the right idea a3out my people&* said the Commander at the end. *I used to tell *em they )ere the foulest collection of s)eeps e!er for%ed up on the 3each. In some )ays they )ere. But I don*t )ant you to ma%e any mista%e. 2hen it came to a pinch they )ere the salt of the earth--the !ery salt of 0od*s earth-3last *em and 3less *em. ,ot that it matters much no). 2e*!e got no ,a!y.* HIS APOLOGIES MA4T6R, this is Thy 4er#ant. -e is risin& ei&ht wee%s old. -e is mainly -ead and Tummy. -is le&s are un"ontrolled. $ut Thou hast for&i#en his u&liness, and settled him on Thy %nee...

Art Thou "ontent with Thy 4er#ant) -e is #ery "omfy with Thee. Master, behold a 4inner) -e hath done &rie#ous wron&. -e hath defiled Thy Premises throu&h bein& %ept in too lon&. /herefore his nose has been rubbed in the dirt, and his self respe"t has been bruis9d. Master, pardon Thy 4inner, and see he is properly loos9d. Master a&ain Thy 4inner! This that was on"e Thy 4hoe, -e hath found and ta%en and "arried aside, as fittin& matter to "hew. 2ow there is neither bla"%in& nor ton&ue, and the -ousemaid has us in tow. Master, remember Thy 4er#ant is youn&, and tell her to let him &o! Master, e:tol Thy 4er#ant! hath met a most /orthy Foe! -e

There has been fi&htin& all o#er the 4hop and into the 4hop also! Till "ruel umbrellas parted the strife 0or I mi&ht ha#e been "ho%in& him yet1. $ut Thy 4er#ant has had the Time of his 'ife and now shall we "all on the #et) Master, behold Thy 4er#ant! 4tran&e "hildren "ame to play, And be"ause they fou&ht to "aress him, Thy 4er#ant wentedst away. $ut now that the 'ittle $easts ha#e &one, he has returned to see 0$rushed with his 4unday "ollar on 1 what they left o#er from tea. ; ; ; ; ; Master, pity Thy 4er#ant! -e is deaf and three parts blind,

-e "annot "at"h Thy !ommandments. -e "annot read Thy Mind. Oh, lea#e him not in his loneliness< nor ma%e him that %itten(s s"orn. -e has had none other =od than Thee sin"e the year that he was born! 'ord, loo% down on Thy 4er#ant! $ad thin&s ha#e "ome to pass, There is no heat in the midday sun nor health in the wayside &rass. -is bones are full of an old disease his torments run and in"rease. 'ord, ma%e haste with Thy 'i&htnin&s and &rant him a >ui"% release! 'TEEM': A TREASURE-HUNTER There(s a &entleman of Fran"e better met by "hoi"e than "han"e,

/here there(s time to turn aside and spa"e to flee -e is born and bred and made for the "attle dro#in& trade, And they "all him Monsieur $ou#ier de $rie. (/hat $rie)( (Yes, $rie.( (/here those funny "heeses "ome from)( (Oui! Oui! Oui! $ut his name is &reat throu&h =aul as the wisest do& of all, And Fran"e pays hi&h for $ou#ier de $rie.( (+e $rie)( (!(est lui. And, if you read my story, you will see /hat one loyal little heart thou&ht of 'ife and 'o#e and Art, And notably of $ou#ier de $rie ?My friend the *i"omte $ou#ier de $rie.?( ,/-#I,0 could pre!ent my adored 'other from demanding at once the piece of sugar )hich )as her Aust re)ard for e!ery -ruffle she found. 'y re!ered .ather& on the other hand& contented himself )ith the strict practice of his Art. So soon as that Pierre& our 'aster& stooped

to dig at the spot indicated& my .ather mo!ed on to fresh triumphs. .rom my .ather I inherit my nose& and& perhaps& a touch of genius. .rom my 'other a practical philosophy )ithout )hich e!en 0enius is 3ut a 3ird of one )ing. In appearance? 'y Parents come of a race 3uilt up from remote times on the 0ifted of !arious strains. -he fine flo)er of it to-day is small-- of a rich gold& touched )ith red$ pric%ed and open ears$ a 3road and recepti!e 3ro)$ eyes of intense 3ut affa3le outloo%& and a ,ose in itself an inspiration and unerring guide. Is it any )onder& then& that my Parents stood apart from the generality? =et I )ould not ma%e light of those )orthy artisans )ho ha!e to 3e trained 3y Persons to the pursuit of -ruffles. -hey are of many stoc%s and possess many !irtues& 3ut not the ,ose--that gift )hich is incommunica3le. 'yself? I am not large. At 3irth& indeed& I )as %no)n as -he 4)arf$ 3ut my achie!ements early )on me the title of -he A33F. It )as easy. I do not recall that I )as e!er trained 3y any Person. I )atched& imitated& and& at need& impro!ed upon& the techni6ue of my Parents among the little thin oa%s of my country )here

the 3est -ruffles are found$ and that )hich to the )orld seemed a chain of miracles )as& for me& as easy as to roll in the dust. 'y small feet could )al% the sun up and do)n across the stony hill- crests )here )e )or%ed. 'y )ell-set coat turned )et& )ind& and cold& and my si<e ena3led me to 3e carried& on occasion& in my 'aster*s useful outside poc%et. 'y companions of those days? At first Pluton and 4is--the solemn& de)lapped& 3lac%& mated pair )ho dre) the little )ooden cart )hence my master dispensed our -ruffles at the )hite ChGteau near our !illage& and to certain shop%eepers in the Street of the .ountain )here the )omen tal%. -hose -)o of 7s )ere peasants in grain. -hey made clear to me the significance of the flat round )hite Pieces& and the -hin Papers& )hich my 'aster and his 'ate 3uried 3eneath the stone 3y their fireplace. ,ot only -ruffles 3ut all other things& Pluton told me& turn into Pieces or -hin Papers at last. But my friend of friends$ my preceptor& my protector& my life-long admiration$ )as 'onsieur le "icomte Bou!ier de Brie--a 'arshal of Bulls )hom he controlled in the stony pastures near the cottage. -here )ere

many sheep also& )ith )hom neither the "icomte nor I )as concerned. 'utton is 3ad for the ,ose& and& as I ha!e reason to %no)& for the disposition. #e )as of race& too--*3orn* as I )as--and so accepted me )hen& )ith the rash a3andon of puppyhood& I attached myself to his ear. In place of a3olishing me& )hich he could ha!e done )ith one of his fore-pa)s& he lo)ered me gently 3et)een 3oth of them& so that I lay 3lin%ing up the gaunt cliff of his chest into his unfathoma3le eyes& and *Little 3ad one+* he said. *But I prophesy thou )ilt go far+* #ere& fenced 3y those pa)s& I )ould repair for my slum3ers& to a!oid my enemies or to plague him )ith 6uestions. And& )hen he )ent to the ail)ay Station to recei!e or despatch more Bulls& I )ould march 3eneath his 3elly& hurling infantile insults at the cra!en doggerie of the Street of the .ountain. After I )as e(pert in my Art& he )ould tal% to me of his o)n& 3rea%ing off )ith some thunder of command to a young Bull )ho presumed to !enture too near the )oods )here our -ruffles gro)& or descending upon him li%e hail across )alls )hich his feet scorned to touch.

#is strength& his audacity& o!er)helmed me. #e& on his side& )as fran%ly 3e)ildered 3y my attainments. *But ho)--ho)& little one& is it done& your 3usiness?* I could not con!ey to him& nor he to me& the mystery of our se!eral Arts. =et al)ays un)eariedly he ga!e me the fruits of his e(perience and philosophy. I recall a day )hen I had chased a chic%en )hich& for the moment& represented to me a sufficiently gross Bull of Salers. -here seemed a possi3ility of chastisement at the hands of the o)ner& and I refuged me 3eneath my friend*s nec% )here he )atched in the sun. #e listened to my foolish tale& and said& as to himself& *-hese Bulls of mine are 3ut 3eef fitted )ith noses and tails 3y )hich one regulates them. But these 3lac% hidden lumps of yours )hich only such as you can unearth-- that is a 3usiness 3eyond me+ I should li%e to add it to my repertoire.* *And I&* I cried Bmy second teeth )ere Aust pushingC& *I )ill 3e a 4ri!er of Bulls+* *Little one&* he responded )ith infinite tenderness& *here is one thing for us 3oth to remem3er. /utside his Art& an Artist must ne!er dream.*

A3out my fifteenth month I found myself 3rother to four )ho )earied me. At the same time there )as a change in my 'aster*s 3eha!iour. ,e!er ha!ing had any regard for him& I )as the 6uic%er to notice his lac% of attention. 'y 'other& as al)ays& said& *If it is not something& it is sure to 3e something else.* 'y .ather simply& *At all ha<ards follo) your Art. -hat can ne!er lead to a false scent.* -here came a Person of a3omina3le odours to our cottage& not once 3ut many times. /ne day my 'aster )or%ed me in his presence. I demonstrated& through a long day of changing airs& )ith faultless precision. After supper& my 'aster*s 'ate said to him& *2e are sure of at least t)o good )or%ers for ne(t season--and )ith a d)arf one ne!er %no)s. It is far off& that England the man tal%s of. .inish the affair& Pierril.* Some -hin Papers passed from hand to hand. -he Person then thrust me into his coat-poc%et B/urs is not a 3reed to 3e sho)n to allC and there follo)ed for me alternations of light and dar% in stin%-carts1 a period )hen my )orld rose and rolled till I )as sic%$ a silence 3eside lapping )ater under stars$ transfer to another

Person )hose scent and speech )ere unintelligi3le$ another flight 3y stin%-cart$ a 3urst of sunrise 3et)een hedges$ a scent of sheep$ !iolent outcries and roc%ings1 finally& a dissolution of the uni!erse )hich proAected me through a hedge from )hich I sa) my captor lying 3eneath the stin%- cart )here a large 3lac%-and-)hite She 3it him )ith de!otion. A ditch led me to the shelter of a cul!ert. I composed myself )ithin till the light )as suddenly 3loc%ed out 3y the head of that !ery She& )ho a3used me sa!agely in Lingua canina. H'y .ather often recommended me ne!er to reply to a strange She.I I )as glad )hen her 'aster*s !oice recalled this one to her duties& and I heard the clic%ety of her floc%*s feet a3o!e my head. In due time I issued forth to ac6uaint myself )ith this )orld into )hich I had 3een launched. It )as ne) in odour and aspect& 3ut )ith points of li%eness to my old one. Clumps of trees fringed close )oods and smooth green pastures$ and& at the 3ottom of a shallo) 3asin cro)ned )ith )oodland& stood a )hite ChGteau e!en larger than the one to )hich Pluton and 4is used to pull their cart.

I %ept me among the trees& and )as congratulating my ,ose on its reco!ery from the outrageous assaults it had suffered during my Aourneys& )hen there came to it the unmista%a3le aroma of -ruffles-- not& indeed& the stra)3erry-scented ones of my lost )orld& 3ut li%e enough to thro) me into my )or%ingpose. I too% )ind& and follo)ed up my line. I )as not decei!ed. -here )ere -ruffles of different sorts in their proper places under those thic% trees. 'y 'other*s ma(im had pro!ed its truth. -his )as e!idently the *something else* of )hich she had spo%en$ and I felt myself again my o)n e6ual. As I )or%ed amid the almost familiar odours it seemed to me that all that had o!erta%en me had not happened& and that at any moment I should meet Pluton and 4is )ith our cart. But they came not. -hough I called they did not come. A far-off !oice interrupted me& )ith menace. I recognised it for that of the 3oisterous She of my cul!ert& and )as still. After cautious circuits I heard the sound of a spade& and in a )ooded hollo) sa) a Person flattening earth round a pile of )ood& heaped to

ma%e charcoal. It )as a 3usiness I had seen often. 'y ,ose assured me that the Person )as authentically a peasant and BI recalled the memory laterC had not handled /ne of 7s )ithin the time that such a scent )ould hang on him. 'y ,ose& further& recorded that he )as im3ued )ith the aromas proper to his )or% and )as& also& %ind& gentle& and e6ua3le in temperament. B=ou Persons )onder that All of 7s %no) your moods 3efore you yoursel!es realise them? Be )ell sure that e!ery shade of his or her character& ha3it& or feeling cries itself aloud in a Person*s scent. ,o more than 2e All can decei!e Each /ther can =ou Persons decei!e 7s--though 2e pretend--2e pretend-to 3elie!e+C #is coat lay on a 3an%. 2hen he dre) from it 3read and cheese& I produced myself. But I had 3een so long at ga<e& that my shoulder& 3ruised in transit through the hedge& made me fall. #e )as upon me at once and& )ith strength e6ual to his gentleness& located my trou3le. E!idently-though the %no)ledge e!en then displeased me--he %ne) ho) 2e should 3e handled.

I su3mitted to his care& ate the food he offered& and& reposing in the croo% of his mighty arm& )as 3orne to a small cottage )here he 3athed my hurt& set )ater 3eside me and returned to his charcoal. I slept& lulled 3y the cadence of his spade and the 3ou6uet of natural scents in the cottage )hich included all those I )as used to& e(cept garlic and& strangely& -ruffles. I )as roused 3y the entry of a She-Person )ho mo!ed slo)ly and coughed. -here )as on her BI spea% no) as 2e spea%C the -aint of the .ear-of that Blac% .ear )hich 3ids 7s thro) up our noses and lament. She laid out food. -he Person of the Spade entered. I fled to his %nee. #e sho)ed me to the 0irl-Person*s dull eyes. She caressed my head& 3ut the chill of her hand increased the .ear. #e set me on his %nees& and they tal%ed in the t)ilight. Presently& their tal% nosed round hidden flat Pieces and -hin Papers. -he tone )as so e(actly that of my 'aster and his 'ate that I e(pected they )ould lift up the hearthstone. But theirs )as in the chimney& )hence the Person dre) se!eral )hite Pieces& )hich he ga!e to the 0irl. I argued from this they had admitted me to their utmost intimacy and--I confess it--I

danced li%e a puppy. 'y re)ard )as their mirth-- his specially. 2hen the 0irl laughed she coughed. But his !oice )armed and possessed me 3efore I %ne) it. After night )as )ell fallen& they )ent out and prepared a 3ed on a cot in the open& sheltered only 3y a large faggot-stac%. -he 0irl disposed herself to sleep there& )hich astonished me. BIn my lost )orld out- sleeping is not done& e(cept )hen Persons )ish to a!oid .orest 0uards.C -he Person of the Spade then set a Aug of )ater 3y the 3ed and& turning to reenter the house& deli!ered a long )histle. It )as ans)ered across the )oods 3y the unforgetta3le !oice of the old She of my cul!ert. I inserted myself at once 3et)een& and a little 3eneath& some of the more ro3ust faggots. /n her silent arri!al the She greeted the 0irl )ith e(tra!agant affection and fa)ned 3eneath her hand& till the coughings closed in uneasy slum3er. -hen& )ith no more noise than the moths of the night& she 6uested for me in order& she said& to tear out my throat. *'a -ante&* I replied placidly from )ithin my fortress& *I do not dou3t you could sa!e yourself the trou3le 3y s)allo)ing me ali!e. But& first& tell me )hat

I ha!e done.* *-hat there is 'y Bone&* )as the reply. It )as enough+ B/nce in my life I had seen poor honest Pluton stand li%e a raging )olf 3et)een his Pierril& )hom he lo!ed& and a .orest 0uard.C 2e use that )ord seldom and ne!er lightly. -herefore& I ans)ered& *I assure you she is not mine. She gi!es me the Blac% .ear.* =ou %no) ho) 2e cannot decei!e Each /ther? -he She accepted my statement$ at the same time re!iling me for my lac% of appreciation--a croo%edness of mind not uncommon among elderly Shes. -o distract her& I in!ited her to tell me her history. It appeared that the 0irl had nursed her through some early distemper. Since then& the She had di!ided her life 3et)een her duties among sheep 3y day and )atching& from the .irst Star till Brea% of Light& o!er the 0irl& )ho& she said& also suffered from a slight distemper. -his had 3een her e(istence& her Aoy and her de!otion long 3efore I )as 3orn. 4emanding nothing more& she )as prepared to 3ac% her single demand 3y slaughter. /nce& in my second month& )hen I )ould ha!e run a)ay from a !ery fierce frog& my friend the

"icomte told me that& at crises& it is 3est to go for)ard. /n a sudden impulse I emerged from my shelter and sat 3eside her. -here )as a pause of life and death during )hich I had leisure to contemplate all her teeth. .ortunately& the 0irl )a%ed to drin%. -he She cra)led to caress the hand that set do)n the Aug& and )aited till the 3reathing resumed. She came 3ac% to me--I had not stirred--)ith 3la<ing eyes. *#o) can you dare this?* she said. *But )hy not?* I ans)ered. *If it is not something& it is sure to 3e something else.* #er fire and fury passed. *-o )hom do you say it+ *she assented. *-here is al)ays something else to fear--not for myself 3ut for 'y Bone yonder.* -hen 3egan a con!ersation uni6ue& I should imagine& e!en among /ursel!es. 'y old& unlo!ely& sa!age Aunt& as I shall henceforth call her& )as eaten ali!e )ith fears for the 0irl--not so much on account of her distemper& 3ut 3ecause of -)o She-Persons-Enemies--)hom she descri3ed to me minutely 3y Eye and ,ose--one li%e a .erret& the other li%e a 0oose. -hese& she said& meditated some e!il to the 0irl against )hich my Aunt and the 0irl*s .ather& the Person of the Spade& )ere helpless. -he

-)o Enemies carried a3out )ith them certain papers& 3y !irtue of )hich the 0irl could 3e ta%en a)ay from the cottage and my Aunt*s care& precisely as she had seen sheep ta%en out of her pasture 3y Persons )ith papers& and dri!en none %ne) )hither. -he Enemies )ould come at inter!als to the cottage in daytime B)hen my Aunt*s duty held her )ith the sheepC and al)ays they left 3ehind them the -aint of misery and an(iety. It )as not that she feared the Enemies personally. She feared nothing e(cept a certain 'onsieur -heLa) )ho& I understood later& co)ed e!en her. ,aturally I sympathised. I did not %no) this gentilhommier de Loire& 3ut I %ne) .ear. Also& the 0irl )as of the same stoc% as #e )ho had fed and )elcomed me and 2hose !oice had reassured. 'y Aunt suddenly demanded if I purposed to ta%e up my residence )ith them. I )ould ha!e detailed to her my ad!entures. She )as acutely uninterested in them all e(cept so far as they ser!ed her purposes& )hich she e(plained. She )ould allo) me to li!e on condition that I reported to her& nightly 3eside the faggot-stac%& all I had seen or heard or suspected of e!ery action and mood of the 0irl

during the day$ any arri!al of the Enemies& as she called them$ and )hate!er I might gather from their gestures and tones. In other )ords I )as to spy for her as -hose of 7s )ho accompany the .orest 0uards spy for their detesta3le 'asters. I )as not distur3ed. BI had had e(perience of the .orest 0uard.C Still there remained my dignity and something )hich I suddenly felt )as e!en more precious to me. *'a -ante&* I said& *)hat I do depends not on you 3ut on 'y Bone in the cottage there.* She understood. *2hat is there on #im&* she said& *to dra) you?* *Such things are li%e -ruffles&* )as my ans)er. *-hey are there or they are not there.* *I do not %no) )hat >-ruffles> may 3e&* she snapped. *#e has nothing useful to me e(cept that #e& too& fears for my 0irl. At any rate your infatuation for #im ma%es you more useful as an aid to my plans.* *2e shall see&* said I. *But--to tal% of affairs of importance--do you seriously mean that you ha!e no %no)ledge of -ruffles?* She )as con!inced that I moc%ed her. *Is it&* she demanded& *some lapdog*s tric%?* She said this of -ruffles--of my -ruffles

-he impasse )as total. /utside of the 0irl on the cot and her sheep Bfor I can testify that& )ith them& she )as an artistC the s6uare 3o( of my Aunt*s head held not one single thought. 'y patience forsoo% me& 3ut not my politeness. *Cheer-up& old one+* I said. *An honest heart out)eighs many disad!antages of ignorance and lo) 3irth.*... And She? I thought she )ould ha!e de!oured me in my hair+ 2hen she could spea%& she made clear that she )as *3orn*--entirely soof a 3reed mated and trained since the days of the .irst Shepherd. In return I e(plained that I )as a specialist in the disco!ery of delicacies )hich the genius of my ancestors had re!ealed to Persons since the .irst Person first scratched in the first dirt. She did not 3elie!e me--nor do I pretend that I had 3een entirely accurate in my genealogy--3ut she addressed me henceforth as *'y ,ephe).* -hus that )onderful night passed& )ith the moths& the 3ats& the o)ls& the sin%ing moon& and the !aried respirations of the 0irl. At sunrise a call 3ro%e out from 3eyond the )oods. 'y Aunt !anished to her day*s office. I )ent into the house and found #im lacing one gigantic

3oot. Its companion lay 3eside the hearth. I 3rought it to #im BI had seen my .ather do as much for that Pierrounet my 'asterC. #e )as loudly pleased. #e patted my head& and )hen the 0irl entered& told her of my e(ploit. She called me to 3e caressed& and& though the Blac% -aint upon her made me cringe& I came. She 3elonged to #im--as at that moment I realised that I did. #ere 3egan my ne) life. By day I accompanied #im to #is charcoal--sole guardian of #is coat and the 3read and cheese on the 3an%& or& remem3ering my Aunt*s infatuation& fluctuated 3et)een the charcoal- mound and the house to spy upon the 0irl& )hen she )as not )ith #im. #e )as all that I desired--in the sound of #is solid tread$ #is deep 3ut gentle !oice$ the sympathetic te(ture and scent of #is clothes$ the safe hold of #is hand )hen #e )ould slide me into #is great outer poc%et and carry me through the far )oods )here #e dealt secretly )ith ra33its. Li%e peasants& )ho are alone more than most Persons& #e tal%ed aloud to himself& and presently to me& as%ing my opinion of the height of a )ire from the ground.

'y de!otion #e accepted and repaid from the first. 'y Art he could 3y no means comprehend. .or& naturally& I follo)ed my Art as e!ery Artist must& e!en )hen it is misunderstood. If not& he comes to preoccupy himself mournfully )ith his proper fleas. 'y ne) surroundings$ the larger si<e and closer spacing of the oa%s$ the hea!ier nature of the soils$ the ha3its of the la<y )et )inds--a hundred considerations )hich the e(pert ta%es into account--demanded changes and adAustments of my techni6ue...'y re)ard? I found and 3rought #im -ruffles of the 3est. I nosed them into #is hand. I laid them on the threshold of the cottage and they filled it )ith their fragrance. #e and the 0irl thought that I amused myself& and )ould thro)--thro)+--them for me to retrie!e& as though they had 3een stones and...uppy+ 2hat more could I do? -he scent o!er that ground )as lost. But the rest )as happiness& tempered )ith !i!id fears )hen )e )ere apart lest& if the )ind 3le) 3eyond moderation& a tree might fall and crush #im$ lest )hen #e )or%ed late #e might disappear into one of those terri3le ri!er pits so common in the )orld )hence I had come& and

3e lost )ithout trace. -here )as no peril I did not imagine for #im till I could hear #is feet )al%ing securely on sound earth long 3efore the 0irl had e!en suspected. -hus my heart )as light in spite of the nightly conferences )ith my formida3le Aunt& )ho lin%ed her o)n dismal apprehensions to e!ery account that I rendered of the 0irl*s day-life and actions. .or some cause or other& the -)o Enemies had not appeared since my Aunt had )arned me against them& and there )as less of .ear in the house. Perhaps& as I once hinted to my Aunt& o)ing to my presence. It )as an unfortunate remar%. I should ha!e remem3ered her gender. She attac%ed me& that night& on a ne) scent& 3idding me o3ser!e that she herself )as decorated )ith a Collar of /ffice )hich esta3lished her position 3efore all the )orld. I )as a3out to compliment her& )hen she o3ser!ed& in the lo) e!en tone of detachment peculiar to Shes of age& that& unless I )ere so decorated& not only )as I outside the La) Bthat Person of )hom& I might remem3er& she had often spo%enC 3ut could not 3e formally accepted into any household.

#o)& then& I demanded& might I come 3y this protection? In her o)n case& she said& the Collar )as hers 3y right as a Preceptress of Sheep. -o procure a Collar for me )ould 3e a matter of Pieces or e!en of -hin Papers& from #is chimney. BI recalled poor Pluton*s )arning that e!erything changes at last into such things.C If #e chose to gi!e of #is Pieces for my Collar& my ci!il status )ould 3e impregna3le. /ther)ise& ha!ing no 3usiness or occupation& I li!ed& said my Aunt& li%e the ra33its--3y fa!our and accident. *But& ma -ante&* I cried& *I ha!e the secret of an Art 3eyond all others.* *-hat is not understood in these parts&* she replied. *=ou ha!e told me of it many times& 3ut I do not 3elie!e. 2hat a pity it is not ra33its+ =ou are small enough to creep do)n their 3urro)s. But these precious things of yours under the ground )hich no one 3ut you can find--it is a3surd.* *It is an a3surdity& then& )hich fills Persons* chimney-places )ith Pieces and -hin Papers. Listen& ma -ante+* I all 3ut ho)led. *-he )orld I came from )as stuffed )ith things underground )hich all Persons desired. -his )orld here is

also rich in them& 3ut I--I alone--can 3ring them to light+* She repeated acridly& *#ere is not there. It should ha!e 3een ra33its.* I turned to go. I )as at the end of my forces. *=ou tal% too much of the )orld )hence you came&* my Aunt sneered. *2here is that )orld?* *I do not %no)&* I ans)ered misera3ly and cra)led under my faggots. As a matter of routine& )hen my report had 3een made to my Aunt& I )ould ta%e post on the foot of #is 3ed )here I should 3e a!aila3le in case of 3andits. But my Aunt*s )ords had 3arred that e!er-open door. 'y suspicions )or%ed li%e )orms in my system. If #e chose& #e could %ic% me off on to the floor--3eyond sound of #is desired !oice-into the ra3id procession of fears and flights )hence #e had deli!ered me. 2hither& then& should I go?...-here remained only my lost )orld )here Persons %ne) the !alue of -ruffles and of -hose of 7s )ho could find them. I )ould see% that )orld+

2ith this intention& and a 3itterness in my 3elly as though I had mouthed a toad& I came out after da)n and fled to the edge of the )oods through )hich #e and I had )andered so often. -hey )ere 3ounded 3y a tall stone )all& along )hich I 6uested for an opening. I found none till I reached a small house 3eside shut gates. #ere an officious /ne of 7s ad!anced upon me )ith threats. I )as in no case to argue or e!en to e(postulate. I hastened a)ay and attac%ed the )all again at another point. But after a )hile& I found myself 3ac% at the house of the /fficious /ne. I recommenced my circuit& 3ut--there )as no end to that 2all. I remem3ered crying aloud to it in hope it might fall do)n and pass me through. I remem3er appealing to the "icomte to come to my aid. I remem3er a flight of 3ig 3lac% 3irds& calling the !ery name of my lost )orld--*Aa--or*--a3o!e my head. But soon they scattered in all directions. /nly the 2all continued to continue& and I 3lindly at its foot. /nce a She-Person stretched out her hand to)ards me. I fled--as I fled from an ama<ed ra33it )ho& li%e myself& e(isted 3y fa!our and accident.

Another Person coming upon me thre) stones. -his turned me a)ay from the 2all and so 3ro%e its attraction. I su3sided into an aimless limp of hours& until some )oods that seemed familiar recei!ed me into their shades... I found me at the 3ac% of the large )hite ChGteau in the hollo)& )hich I had seen only once& far off& on the first day of my arri!al in this )orld. I loo%ed do)n through 3ushes on to ground di!ided 3y strips of still )ater and stone. #ere )ere 3irds& 3igger than tur%eys& )ith enormous !oices and tails )hich they raised one against the other& )hile a )hitehaired She-Person dispensed them food from a pan she held 3et)een spar%ling hands. 'y ,ose told me that she )as un6uestiona3ly of race-descended from champion strains. I )ould ha!e cra)led nearer& 3ut the greedy 3irds for3ade. I retreated uphill into the )oods& and& mo!ed 3y I %no) not )hat agonies of frustration and 3e)ilderment& thre) up my head and lamented. -he harsh imperati!e call of my Aunt cut through my self-pity. I found her on duty in pastures still 3ounded 3y that 2all )hich encircled my )orld. She charged me at once

)ith ha!ing some disreputa3le affair& and& for its sa%e& deserting my post )ith the 0irl. I could 3ut pant. Seeing& at last& my distress& she said& *#a!e you 3een see%ing that lost )orld of yours?* Shame closed my mouth. She continued& in softer tones& *E(cept )hen it concerns 'y Bone& do not ta%e all that I say at full-fang. -here are others as foolish as you. 2ait my return.* She left me )ith an affectation& almost a co6uetry& of e(treme fatigue. -o her charge had 3een added a ne) detachment of sheep )ho )ished to escape. -hey had scattered into separate cro)ds& each )ith a different o3Aecti!e and a different speed. 'y Aunt& %eeping the high ground& allo)ed them to disperse& till her terri3le !oice& thrice lifted& 3rought them to halt. -hen& in one long loop of flight& my Aunt& a dum3 fury lying )ide on their flan%& s)ept do)n )ith a certainty& a speed& and a calculation )hich almost reminded me of my friend the "icomte. -hose diffuse and errant im3eciles reunited and inclined a)ay from her in a mo3 of mi(ed smells and outcries--to find themsel!es e(6uisitely penned in an angle of the fence& my Aunt& laid flat at full length& facing them+ /ne after another their heads

dropped and they resumed their eternal 3usiness of mutton-ma%ing. 'y Aunt came 3ac%& her affectation of decrepitude heightened to heighten her performance. And )ho )as I& an Artist also& to moc% her? *=ou )onder )hy my temper is not of the 3luntest?* she said. *=ou could not ha!e done that+* *But at least I can appreciate it&* I cried. *It )as super3+ It )as une6ualled+ It )as faultless+ =ou did not e!en nip one of them.* *2ith sheep that is to confess failure&* she said. *4o you& then& gna) your -ruffles?* It )as the first time that she had e!er admitted their e(istence+ 'y genuine admiration& none the )orse for a little flattery& opened her heart. She spo%e of her youthful triumphs at sheep-herding e(positions$ of rescues of lost lam3s& or incapa3le mothers found re!ersed in ditches. /h& she )as all an Artist& my thin- flan%ed& haggard-eyed Aunt 3y enforced adoption. She e!en let me tal% of the "icomte+

Suddenly Bthe shado)s had stretchedC she leaped& )ith a grace I should ne!er ha!e suspected& on to a stone )all and stood long at far ga<e. *Enough of this nonsense&* she said 3rutally. *=ou are rested no). 0et to your )or%. If you could see& my ,ephe)& you )ould o3ser!e the .erret and the 0oose )al%ing there& three fields distant. -hey ha!e come again for 'y Bone. -hey )ill %eep to the path made for Persons. 0o at once to the cottage 3efore they arri!e and--do )hat you can to harass them. un--run--mounte3an% of a yello) im3ecile that you are+* I turned on my tail& as 2e say& and too% the direct line through my )ell-%no)n )oods at my utmost speed since her orders dispatched me )ithout loss of dignity to)ards my heart*s one desire. And I )as recei!ed 3y #im& and 3y the 0irl )ith unfeigned rapture. -hey passed me from one to the other li%e the rarest of -ruffles$ re3u%ed me& not too se!erely& for my long a3sence$ felt me for possi3le inAuries from traps$ 3rought me 3read and mil%& )hich I sorely needed$ and 3y a hundred delicate attentions sho)ed me the secure place I occupied in their hearts. I ga!e my dignity to the cats& and it is not too much to say that )e

)ere all engaged in a !erita3le pas de trois )hen a shado) fell across our threshold and the -)o Enemies most rudely entered+ I concei!ed& and ga!e !ent to& instant detestation )hich& for a )hile& delayed their attac%. 2hen it came& #e and the 0irl accepted it as yo%ed o(en recei!e the lash across the eyes--)ith the piteous dignity )hich Earth& ha!ing so little to gi!e them& 3esto)s upon her hum3les. Li%e o(en& too& they 3ac%ed side 3y side and pressed closer together. I rene)ed my comminations from e!ery angle as I sa) ho) these distracted my ad!ersaries. -hey then pointed passionately to me and my pan of 3read and mil% )hich Aoy had pre!ented me from altogether emptying. -heir tongues I felt )ere foul )ith reproach. At last #e spo%e. #e mentioned my name more than once& 3ut al)ays BI could tell in my defence. -he 0irl 3ac%ed #is point. I assisted )ith-- and it )as something--all that I had e!er heard in my lost )orld from the sans%ennailerie of the Street of the .ountain. -he Enemies rene)ed the charge. E!idently my Aunt )as right. -heir plan )as to ta%e the 0irl a)ay in e(change for pieces of paper. I sa) the

.erret )a!e a paper 3eneath #is nose. #e shoo% #is head and launched that peasant*s *,o&* )hich is one in all languages. #ere I applauded !ehemently& continuously& monotonously& on a %ey )hich& also& I had learned in the Street of the .ountain. ,othing could ha!e li!ed against it. -he Enemies threatened& I could feel& some prodigious action or another$ 3ut at last they marched out of our presence. I escorted them to the charcoal-heap-the limit of our pri!ate domain--in a silence charged )ith possi3ilities for their thic% an%les. I returned to find my -)o sun% in distress& 3ut upon my account. I thin% they feared I might run a)ay again& for they shut the door. -hey fre6uently and tenderly repeated my name& )hich& )ith them& )as *-eem.* .inally #e too% a -hin Paper from the chimney-piece& slid me into #is outside poc%et and )al%ed s)iftly to the "illage& )hich I had ne!er smelt 3efore. In a place )here a She-Person )as caged 3ehind 3ars& #e e(changed the -hin Paper for one )hich he laid under my nose& saying *-eem+ Loo%+ -his is Licence-and-La) allright+* In yet another place& I )as set do)n 3efore a Person )ho e(haled a grateful fla!our

of dried s%ins. 'y nec% )as then encircled 3y a Collar 3earing a 3right 3adge of office. All Persons round me e(pressed admiration and said *Lor+* many times. /n our return through the "illage I stretched my decorated nec% out of #is poc%et& li%e one of the gaudy 3irds at the ChGteau& to impress -hose of 7s )ho might 3e a3road that I )as no) under full protection of 'onsieur Le La) B)hoe!er he might 3eC& and thus the e6ual of my e(acting Aunt. -hat night& 3y the 0irl*s 3ed& my Aunt )as at her most difficult. She cut short my history of my campaign& and cross-e(amined me coldly as to )hat had actually passed. #er interpretations )ere not cheering. She prophesied our Enemies )ould return& more sa!age for ha!ing 3een chec%ed. She said that )hen they mentioned my name Bas I ha!e told youC it )as to re3u%e #im for feeding me& a !aga3ond& on good 3read and mil%& )hen I did not& according to 'onsieur La)& 3elong to #im. BShe herself& she added& had often 3een shoc%ed 3y #is e(tra!agance in this regard.C I pointed out that my Collar no) disposed of incon!enient 6uestions. So much she ungraciously conceded& 3ut--I had descri3ed the scene to her--argued that #e had ta%en the -hin Paper out of its hiding-place 3ecause I had

caAoled #im )ith my *lapdog*s tric%s&* and that& in default of that Paper& #e )ould go )ithout food& as )ell as )ithout )hat he 3urned under #is nose& )hich to #im )ould 3e e6ually serious. I )as aghast. *But& 'a -ante&* I pleaded& *sho) me--ma%e me any )ay to teach #im that the earth on )hich #e )al%s so loftily can fill #is chimneys )ith -hin Papers& and I promise you that She shall eat chic%en+* 'y e!ident sincerity--perhaps& too& the finesse of my final appeal--shoo% her. She mouthed a pa) in thought. *=ou ha!e sho)n #im those )onderful underground-things of yours?* she resumed. *But often. And to your 0irl also. -hey thought they )ere stones to thro). It is 3ecause of my si<e that I am not ta%en seriously.* I )ould ha!e lamented& 3ut she struc% me do)n. #er 0irl )as coughing. *Be silent& unluc%y that you are+ #a!e you sho)n your -ruffles& as you call them& to anyone else?*

*-hose -)o are all I ha!e e!er met in this )orld& my Aunt.* *-hat )as true till yesterday&* she replied. *But at the 3ac% of the ChGteau--this afternoon--eh?* B'y friend the "icomte )as right )hen he )arned me that all elderly Shes ha!e si( ears and ten noses. And the older the more+C *I sa) that Person only from a distance. =ou %no) her& then& my Aunt?* *If I %no) #er+ She met me once )hen I )as lamed 3y thorns under my left heel-pad. She stopped me. She too% them out. She also put her hand on my head.* *Alas& I ha!e not your charms+* I riposted. *Listen& 3efore my temper snaps& my ,ephe). She has returned to her ChGteau. Lay one of those things that you say you find& at her feet. I do not credit your tales a3out them& 3ut it is possi3le that She may. She is of race. She %no)s all. She may ma%e you that )ay for )hich you as% so loudly. It is only a chance. But& if it succeeds& and 'y Bone does not eat the chic%ens you ha!e promised her& I )ill& for sure& tear out your throat.*

*'y Aunt&* I replied& *I am infinitely o3liged. =ou ha!e& at least& sho)n me a )ay. 2hat a pity you )ere 3orn )ith so many thorns under your tongue+* And I fled to ta%e post at the foot of #is 3ed& )here I slept !igorously--for I had li!ed that day+--till time to 3ring #im #is morning 3oots. 2e then )ent to our charcoal. As official 0uardian of the Coat I permitted myself no e(cursions till #e )as 3usied stopping the !ents of little flames on the flan%s of the mound. -hen I mo!ed to)ards a patch of ground )hich I had noted long ago. /n my )ay& a chance of the air told me that the Born /ne of the ChGteau )as )al%ing on the !erge of the )ood. I fled to my patch& )hich )as e!en more fruitful than I had thought. I had unearthed se!eral -ruffles )hen the sound of her tread hardened on the 3are ground 3eneath the trees. Selecting my largest and ripest& I 3ore it re!erently to)ards her& dropped it in her path& and too% a pose of hum3le de!otion. #er ,ose informed her 3efore her eyes. I sa) it )rin%le and sniff deliciously. She stooped and )ith spar%ling hands lifted my gift to smell. #er sympathetic appreciation em3oldened me to pull the fringe of her clothes in the direction of my little store e(posed

3eneath the oa%. She %nelt and& rapturously inhaling their aroma& transferred them to a small 3as%et on her arm. BAll Born /nes 3ear such 3as%ets )hen they )al% upon their o)n earths.C #ere #e called my name. I replied at once that I )as coming& 3ut that matters of the utmost importance held me for the moment. 2e mo!ed on together& the Born /ne and I& and found #im 3eside #is coat setting apart for me my o)n 3read and cheese. 2e li!ed& )e t)o& each al)ays in the other*s life+ I had often seen that Pierrounet my 'aster& )ho deli!ered me to strangers& unco!er and 3end at the side-door of the ChGteau in my lost )orld o!er yonder. At no time )as he 3eautiful. But #e--'y /)n Bone to me+--though #e too )as unco!ered& stood 3eautifully erect and as a peasant of race should 3ear himself )hen #e and #is are not 3eing tortured 3y .errets or 0eese. .or a short time& #e and the Born /ne did not concern themsel!es )ith me. -hey )ere o3!iously of old ac6uaintance. She spo%e$ she )a!ed her spar%ling hands$ she laughed. #e responded gra!ely& at dignified ease& li%e my friend the "icomte. -hen I heard my name many times. I fancy #e may ha!e told her

something of my appearance in this )orld. B2e peasants do not tell all to any one.C -o pro!e to her my character& as #e concei!ed it& #e thre) a stone. 2ith as much emphasis as my lo!e for #im allo)ed& I signified that this game of lapdogs )as not mine. She commanded us to return to the )oods. -here #e said to me as though it )ere some 6uestion of #is magnificent 3oots& *See%& -eem+ .ind& -eem+* and )a!ed #is arms at random. #e did not %no)+ E!en then& 'y Bone did not %no)+ But I--I )as e6ual to the occasion+ 2ithout unnecessary gesture$ stifling the s6uea%s of rapture that rose in my throat$ coldly& almost& as my .ather& I made point after point& pic%ed up my lines and )or%ed them B#is attendant spade sa!ing me the trou3le of diggingC till the 3as%et )as full. At this Auncture the 0irl--they )ere seldom far apart--appeared )ith all the old miseries on her face& and& 3ehind her BI had 3een too occupied )ith my Art& or I should ha!e yelled on their scentC )al%ed the -)o Enemies+ -hey had not spied us up there among the trees& for they rated her all the )ay to the charcoalheap. /ur Born /ne descended upon them

softly as a mist through )hich shine the stars& and greeted them in the !oice of a do!e out of summer foliage. I held me still. She needed no aid& that one+ -hey gre) louder and more loud$ she increasingly more sua!e. -hey flourished at her one of their detesta3le papers )hich she recei!ed as though it had 3een all the -rufes in the )orld. -hey tal%ed of 'onsieur Le La). .rom her rene)ed smiles I understood that he& too& had the honour of her friendship. -hey continued to tal% of him...-hen...she a3olished them+ #o)? Spea%ing )ith the utmost re!erence of 3oth& she reminded me of my friend the "icomte disentangling an agglomeration of distracted& and therefore dangerous& 3eefs at the ail)ay Station. -here )as the same sage turn of the head& the same almost in!isi3le stiffening of the shoulders& the !ery same small !oice out of the side of the mouth& saying *I charge myself )ith this.* And then--and then--those insupporta3le offspring of a Aumped-up gentilhommier )ere transformed into amia3le and impressed mem3ers of their proper class& gi!ing ground slo)ly at first& 3ut finally e!aporating--yes& e!aporating--li%e 3ad smells--in the direction of the )orld )hence they had intruded.

4uring the relief that follo)ed& the 0irl )ept and )ept and )ept. /ur Born /ne led her to the cottage and consoled. 2e sho)ed her our 3ed 3eside the faggots and all our other small dispositions& including a 3ottle out of )hich the 0irl )as used to drin%. BI tasted once some that had 3een spilt. It )as li%e unfresh fish--fit only for cats.C She sa)& she heard& she considered all. Calm came at her e!ery )ord. She )ould ha!e gi!en #im some Pieces& in e(change& I suppose& for her filled 3as%et. #e pointed to me to sho) that it )as my )or%. She repeated most of the )ords she had employed 3efore--my name among them--3ecause one must e(plain many times to a peasant )ho desires not to comprehend. At last #e too% the Pieces. -hen my Born /ne stooped do)n to me 3eside #is foot and said& in the language of my lost )orld& *Kno)est thou& -eem& that this is all thy )or%? 2ithout thee )e can do nothing. Kno)est thou& my little dear -eem?* If I %ne)+ #ad #e listened to me at the first the situation )ould ha!e 3een regularised half a season 3efore. ,o) I could fill his chimney-places as my .ather had filled that of that disgusting Pierrounet. Logically& of course& I should ha!e 3egun a fresh demonstration of my Art in proof

of my <eal for the interests of my famille. But I did not. Instead& I ran--I rolled--I leaped--I cried aloud--I fa)ned at their %nees 2hat )ould you? It )as hairless& toothless sentiment& 3ut it had the success of a hurricane+ -hey accepted me as though I had 3een a Person--and #e more unreser!edly than any of them. It )as my supreme moment+ I ha!e at last reduced my famille to the outine )hich is indispensa3le to the right-minded among 7s. .or e(ample1 At inter!als #e and I descend to the ChGteau )ith our 3as%et of -ruffles for our Born /ne. If she is there she caresses me. If else)here& her 3as%et pursues her in a stin%-cart. So does& also& her Chef& a )ell-scented Person and& I can testify& an Artist. -his& I understand& is our e(change for the right to e(ploit for oursel!es all other -ruffles that I may find inside the 0reat 2all. -hese )e dispense to another stin%-cart& filled )ith delightful comesti3les& )hich )aits for us regularly on the stin%-cart-road 3y the #ouse of the 0ate )here the /fficious /ne pursued me. 2e are paid into the hand Btrust us peasants+C in Pieces or Papers& )hile I stand guard against 3andits.

As a result& the 0irl has no) a )ooden-roofed house of her o)n--open at one side and capa3le of 3eing turned round against )inds 3y #is strong one hand. #ere she arranges the 3ottles from )hich she drin%s& and here comes--3ut less and less often--a dry Person of mi(ed odours& )ho applies his ear at the end of a stic%& to her thin 3ac%. -hus& and o)ing to the chic%ens )hich& as I promised my Aunt& she eats& the -aint of her distemper diminishes. 'y Aunt denies that it e!er e(isted& 3ut her infatuation--ha!e I told you?--has no 3ounds+ She has 3een gi!en honoura3le demission from her duties )ith sheep and has fran%ly installed herself in the 0irl*s outside 3ed-house& )hich she does not encourage me to enter. I can support that. I too ha!e 'y Bone... /nly it comes to me& as it does to most of 7s )ho li!e so s)iftly& to dream in my sleep. -hen I return to my lost )orld--to the )histling& drylea!ed& thin oa%s that are not these giant ones-to the stony little hillsides and treacherous ri!er-pits that are not these secure pastures--to the sharp scents that are not these scents--to the companionship of poor Pluton and 4is--to the Street of the .ountain up )hich marches to meet me& as )hen I )as a rude little puppy& my

friend& my protector& my earliest adoration& 'onsieur le "icomte Bou!ier de Brie. At this point al)ays& I )a%e$ and not till I feel #is foot 3eneath the 3edderie& and hear #is comforta3le 3reathing& does my lost )orld cease to 3ite... /h& )ise and )ell-3elo!ed guardian and playmate of my youth--it is true--it is true& as thou didst )arn me--/utside his Art an Artist must ne!er dream+