Dogs, like human beings, show that they can criticise the conduct of
those they serve.
A gentleman from London, more accustomed to handle an umbrella than a
gun, went down to the house of a friend in the country to enjoy a day's
shooting.
"You shall have one of my best pointers," said his friend, "but
recollect, he will stand no nonsense. If you kill the birds, well and
good; if not, I cannot answer for the consequences."
The would-be sportsman shouldered his gun and marched off. As he
traversed the fields, the pointer, ranging before him, marked bird after
bird, which were as often missed. The pointer looked back, evidently
annoyed, and after this frequently ran over game. At length he made a
dead stop near a low bush, with his nose pointed downwards, his
fore-feet bent, his tail straight and steady. The gentleman approached
with both barrels cocked. Again the dog moved steadily forward a few
paces, expressing the anxiety of his mind by moving his tail backwards
and forwards. At length a brace of partridges slowly rose. Who could
possibly miss them! Bang! bang! went both barrels, but the birds
continued their flight unharmed. The dog now fairly lost patience,
turned round, placed his tail between his legs, gave one sad howl, long
and loud, and set off at full speed homeward, leaving the gentleman to
holloa after him at the top of a gate, and continue the shooting as best
he could by himself.
If you desire to be properly served by those you employ, you must be up
to your business. I have often heard young people complain that they
can do nothing properly, the servants are so stupid; when they come down
late, that they were not called in time; or, if they have not learned
their lessons, that the room was not ready. I daresay, when the Cockney
sportsman returned with an empty gamebag, he abused the stupid dog for
running away.