till the greatest treats
that could be offered to him. His temper had been farther soured by the
spite and envy of dogs around him, who, less petted themselves, and not
aware how little his petting contributed to his comfort, grudged him
every thing that he possessed, and lost no opportunity of snapping and
snarling at him.

When I reflected on the difference between his circumstances and my own,
I felt more inclined to pity than to blame him; but though I condoled
with him kindly, and whined in sympathy, I took care to give him the
best advice in my power, and to suggest such changes in his own conduct
as might tend to better his lot.

He listened with patience and candour, and showed his gratitude by
treating me with the most cordial hospitality. He gave me an excellent
bone, and offered to share his kennel with me; but after my dinner and a
nap I was so thoroughly refreshed, that I preferred continuing my
journey. He pressed me to call on him in my way back, provided I
returned alone; but honestly confessed that if I was accompanied by a
cat, he feared that the force of habit might be too strong to allow of
his being as polite to her as he could wish. Remembering my own early
prejudices, I had no right to blame him; and we parted excellent
friends, though I declined his invitation.

I met with no more adventures or difficulties. Even my night's lodging
gave me no trouble; for when it was growing dark, and I felt too tired
to run any farther, I espied a heap of straw thrown out by the
stable-door of a roadside inn, and I soon scratched and smoothed it into
as comfortable a bed as dog need wish. By break of day I was on my
travels again; and being now near my native village, in a road of which
I knew every step, I had no further perplexity, and by breakfast-time
arrived at my old home.

It had never occurred to me that any body would be surprised to see me.
Having always met with a hearty welcome, I expected one as a matter of
course; but I certainly never anticipated being received with a shout of
astonishment, and to this day I cannot understand why they were all so
amazed. But so it was. When the gardener opened the gate and saw me
sitting outside, he started as if I had been a strange dog going to fly
at him; and instead of speaking to me, began calling as loud as he could
to his wife:

"Peggy! why, Peggy, make haste, I say. Here's the dog! How did he ever
come here?"

The old lady came bustling along at do