and the truant
is instantly sought and returned, the dog always holding it by the side
of the head, so as not to bruise the body. His eye is continually on his
master's countenance, anxious to learn his wishes, or on the particular
flock he has in charge. As difficulties multiply, his sagacity becomes
almost human, and he seems to know every individual belonging to his
flock."

Minnie listened to this account with great interest; but now she
started up, her whole countenance blazing with excitement, and
exclaiming, "Father, you'll need a dog, you know, for your sheep. If
you'll buy an English shepherd pup, I'll let Nannie take care of it, and
train it for you."

"Thank you, love," said her father, patting her head fondly; "but I'm
afraid Nannie is scarcely capable of such business. I'll tell you a
story of a remarkable Spanish shepherd dog which came to America from
England. His name was Arrogante, and he was an animal of prodigious
power. There was nothing affectionate or joyous about him. He never
forgave an injury or an insult. He was proud and reserved, but not
quarrelsome. Little curs would often run up to him, or seize his long,
bushy tail; but he seldom condescended to notice them: when he did, he
soon made an end of them.

"Arrogante was honest, faithful, and courageous. He was a strictly
temperance dog, and would allow no one on the premises who was what is
called worse for liquor. Many a time, according to his own confession,
the bailiff who usually fed Arrogante was obliged to sleep on the ground
outside the farm because he came home unsteady from too much drinking.

"On one occasion a couple of sailors, wishing to take advantage of the
tide, came unexpectedly to the farm, soon after midnight, to take away
some potatoes they had purchased from Mr. Rotch. But Arrogante would not
consent to what he considered unlawful proceedings. He forced the men
into an empty cart, and kept them there till morning. Once or twice they
tried to put a foot over the side of the cart, but were convinced if
they persevered the dog would kill them. They lost the tide, and were
greatly disappointed, but, like honest fellows, confessed the fault was
their own.

"A gentleman who, I am sorry to say, was fond of spirituous liquors,
lived near the farm, and often passed near the stable where Arrogante
had his headquarters. This gentleman was regularly introduced to him,
and warned by his master against ever provoking him. Returning