Next on my list of canine favourites stands a noble Newfoundland dog
named Byron, which belonged to the father of my friend, Mrs F--. On
one occasion he accompanied the family to Dawlish, on the coast of
Devonshire. His kennel was at the back of the house. Whenever his
master was going out, the servant loosened Byron, who immediately ran
round, never entering the house, and joined him, accompanying him in his
walk.
One day, after getting some way from home, his master found that he had
forgotten his walking-stick. He showed the dog his empty hands, and
pointed towards the house. Byron, instantly comprehending what was
wanted, set off, and made his way into the house by the front door,
through which he had never before passed. In the hall was a hatstand
with several walking-sticks in it. Byron, in his eagerness, seized the
first he could reach, and carried it joyfully to his master. It was not
the right one, however. Mr--on this patted him on the head, gave him
back the stick, and again pointed towards the house. The dog,
apparently considering for a few moments what mistake he could have
made, ran home again, and exchanged the stick for the one his master
usually carried. After this, he had the walking-stick given him to
carry, an office of which he seemed very proud.
One day while thus employed, following his master with stately gravity,
he was annoyed during the whole time by a little yelping cur jumping up
at his ears. Byron shook his head, and growled a little from time to
time, but took no further notice, and never offered to lay down the
stick to punish the offender.
On reaching the beach, Mr--threw the stick into the waves for the dog
to bring it out. Then, to the amusement of a crowd of bystanders,
Byron, seizing his troublesome and pertinacious tormentor by the back of
the neck, plunged with him into the foaming water, where he ducked him
well several times, and then allowed him to find his way out as best he
could; while he himself, mindful of his duty, swam onward in search of
the now somewhat distant walking-stick, which he brought to his master's
feet with his usual calm demeanour. The little cur never again troubled
him.
Be not less magnanimous than Byron, when troublesome boys try to annoy
you whilst you are performing your duties; but employ gentle words
instead of duckings to silence them. Drown the yelping curs--bad
thoughts, unamiable tempers, temptations, and such like--which assault
you from within.