A Preston paper gave some time ago an account of a dog which travelled
alone by railway in search of his master. In this instance the animal
acted much as any human being would have done.
The dog, which was well-known to the railway officials from frequently
travelling with his master, presented himself at one of the stations on
the Fleetwood, Preston, and Longridge line. After looking round for
some length of time among the passengers and in the carriages, just as
the train was about to start he leaped into one of the compartments of a
carriage, and lay down under a seat.
Arrived at Longridge, he made another survey of the passengers, and
after waiting till the station had been cleared, he went into the
Railway Station Hotel, searched all the places on the ground-floor, then
went and made a tour of inspection over the adjoining grounds; but being
apparently unsuccessful, trotted back to the train, and took his late
position just as it was moving off. On reaching the station from which
he had first started, he again looked round as before, then took his
departure.
It seems that he now proceeded to the General Railway Station at
Preston, and after repeating the looking-round performance, placed
himself under one of the seats in a train which he had singled out of
the many that are constantly popping in and out, and in due time arrived
in Liverpool. He now visited a few places where he had before been with
his master. He remained over-night in Liverpool, and visited Preston
early again the following morning.
Still not finding his missing master, he for the fourth time took the
train; on this occasion, however, to Lancaster and Carlisle, at which
latter place, his sagacity, as well as the persevering tact he had
displayed in prosecuting his search, were rewarded by finding his
master. Their joy at meeting was mutual.
I cannot too often repeat it: let duty be your master. Be not less
persevering in pursuing it, than were the dogs I have told you about in
seeking their masters.