Two dogs living in the neighbourhood of Cupar, in Fife, used to fight
desperately whenever they met,--the one belonging to Captain R--, the
other to a farmer.
Captain R--'s dog was accustomed to go on messages, and even to bring
meat and other articles from Cupar in a basket. One day, while
returning with a supply of mutton, he was attacked by a number of curs
in the town, eager to obtain the tempting prize. The messenger fought
bravely, but at length, overpowered, was compelled to yield up the
basket, though not before he had secured some of the meat. With this he
hastened at full speed to the quarters of his enemy, at whose feet he
laid it down, stretching himself beside him till he had eaten it up. A
few sniffs, a few whispers in the ear, and other dog-like courtesies
were then exchanged, after which they both set out together for Cupar,
where they worried almost every dog in the town, and, returning home,
were ever afterwards on the most friendly terms.
Remember that there are no human beings whose conduct at all times it is
safe to follow.
Revenge is wrong, but let us ever be ready to help and defend those who
are ill-treated and oppressed.