me. But no sooner had they
endeavoured to decamp with the prize, than this vigilant creature flew
at them with such outrage, as obliged them immediately to relinquish
the undertaking; and glad were they to escape with a few bites and
whole bones, and leave the tempting bait to catch other dishonest
rogues, as it had done them.

One day, a person having particular business with the master, which
required dispatch, went to the distillery adjoining the
dwelling-house, thinking it very likely he might meet him there giving
orders to the servant; and finding the outward door open, walked into
the still-room: but no sooner had he gone a few steps than a fierce
growl assailed his ears, and almost imperceptibly he was pinioned by
fear to the wall. The affrighted person called loudly for help; but
the family being at the other part of the house, his cries were
fruitless. The generous animal, however, who had the frightened man
close in custody, scorned to take a mean advantage of his situation by
recommencing hostilities. He remained perfectly quiet, unless the
delinquent attempted to stir--he then became as furious as ever; so
that the prisoner prudently remained like a statue fixed against the
wall, while Basto, like a sentinel on his post, kept a strict guard,
lest he should escape before the family arrived. In about twenty
minutes the master, in coming from the parlour to the counting-house,
beheld the prisoner, and Basto walking backwards and forwards beside
him. The dog, by a thousand gesticulations, seemed to wish a proper
explanation might take place. The master laughed heartily at the poor
fellow's expense, as did he likewise when liberated; but he had ever
after the prudence, when business brought him to the house, to ring
loudly at the door, notwithstanding it frequently stood wide open.

A carrier on his way to Dumfries had occasion to leave his cart and
horse upon the public road, under the protection of a passenger and
his dog Trusty. Upon his return, he missed a led horse belonging to a
gentleman in the neighbourhood, which he had tied to the end of a
cart, and likewise one of the female passengers. On inquiry he was
informed that, during his absence, the female, who had been anxious to
try the mettle of the pony, had mounted it, and that the animal had
set off at full speed. The carrier expressed much anxiety for the
safety of the young woman, casting at the same time an expressive look
at his dog. Trusty obser