Pussy and Doggy Tales Page 5

  I was sent to the Crystal Palace Dog Show; and, as I looked round on thehundreds of dogs of all families and nationalities, I breathed a sighof contentment, and blessed the fate that had made me, in this Englandof ours, a well-born English setter. My brother was not at the Show, ofcourse; but I think even he would have admired me if he could have seenhow far superior I was to all about me. Of course, I took the firstprize. My mission was fulfilled: my family pride was satisfied. Thejudges unanimously pronounced me to be the most perfect and beautifulsporting dog in the whole Show. My master, wild with delight, patted mysilky forehead, and then turned aside to talk with a stout gentleman ingaiters.

  I thought of what my life would be--one long, joyous round of shows,applause, pats on the head from a grateful master, delicious food andfirst prizes.

  But my master's base nature--his ancestors came over with George andthe Hanoverians--struck all my hopes to the ground. I woke from mydream of triumph to find myself sold to the stout man in gaiters.

  I never saw my brother again. I was never able to tell my fond anddoting mother that I, like her, had taken a prize. I was never able tochat with my father over a bone, comparing with him experiences of theshow bench. The stout, gaitered man took me away into a far country.

  The next morning he took me out into the fields, and looked at me fromtime to time, as if he expected me to do something. Unwilling todisappoint him, I sat down and began my usual exercise for lengtheningmy tail. He at once struck me violently. We went a little farther, and Inoticed that he looked more and more displeased; but I could not imaginewhat it could be that so distressed him. Presently one of those commonpartridge birds had the impertinence to fly out close to me. I caught itat once, and looked round for applause. There only came another showerof blows.

  "What's the good of your taking prizes," he said, "if you're such anidiot in the field?--might as well have a greyhound."

  "I wish you had," I said under my breath.

  I spent a week in torment, and then it occurred to me that thislow-born, gaitered person would have been better pleased with mybrother. So I tried to recall the tricks with which my brother hadparticularly aggravated me; and, the next time I smelt a partridge, Ilay down, as I had seen my brother do, and lifted a foolish foot. I wasrewarded with a pat and encouragement.

  I have now sunk entirely to my brother's level. My master pronounces meto be a most excellent sporting dog. But I shall never forget the blowsand angry words that were necessary to make me renounce my ideal of whata setter should be; and deep in my heart I still cherish, withpassionate devotion, my views on duty, and my honourable family pride.

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