Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-06-03
From the Boston Olive Branch.
The Peddler and his Dog,

Some years ago l travelled through a
portion OF Michigan. went on tool;
or rode as best suited my purpose. |
carried rich silks and jewelry to sell to
those disposed TO buy. My only COM
panion during my journey, was large
dog Of the Newioundla d breed. Lion
was iii to be the king of his species. He
was good natured and quiet, and there
was some,hing almost human in his eyes.
lie attended TO his own business, and
never quarreleG with "curs of low de
gree" He would bear an incult from
worthless puppies, with philosophy
worthy of emulation. And never knew
him, save on few occasions, resent the
undue liberties of puppies of larger
growth. When his ire, however, was
thoroughly aroused, he made such often
ders terrible warning TO "evil- doers."
When travelled, he tretted along bv
my side, and when stopped to trade,
be seated himself near me and watched
all my movements with business-like
expression. Ii annoyed him little,
sometimes, to see my customers drag the
goods from my pack and handle them
with such freedom, which he ex-
pressed by low growl, while he follow
ed every piece with his eyes, To see that
they were not appropriated without COM
pensa,ion, and with my full consent.
lie really took strong dislike TO those
who were disposed TO find fault with ev-
er, thing. and my prices in PARTICULAR
| believe he knew the value OF everything
| carried, and the value attached to them.
BE This as it may, he seemed satisfied
when | was, and wagged has tail when
made good trade. He was an excel
lent watch dog, and there was no danger
of any thing conided to his care being
taken away. found him very useful
and companionable in my travels.
Convey ances we're SO scarce and un-
certain that | was often obliged to go on
foot from one settlement to another
These journeys were anything but pleas
ant, aud as the country was new and the
state of society anything but good rob-
berries were frequently perpetrated upon
these lonely roads, and there were those
no doubt, to whom the rich stufIs car
ried would be sufficient temptation TO
commit murder The idea frequently
occurred to me in travelling through the
woods Of the West. But old Lion was
always by my side, ready to die in de-
fence, and proud TO share in my wander
ings. | always wen. armed. An ex-
cellent brace of pistols, steel barreled,
loaded with ball, were never from my
pocket, save long enough to see that they
we're in order, and at night they lay be-
meath my pillow. fel. quite safe with
these and Lion, who was the companion
of my nights as well as days. He al
ways laid down between my bed and the
door, with his face towards the latter
No one could enter without attracting
the attention of Lion.
One day in the summer Of 1880,
found myself in small settlement on The
border Of small lake, anxious to get
forward TO the next, which was about l6
miles distant. No conveyance could be
obtained without waiting TIL the next day,
which was not inclined to do. as set
out on foot. 1t was clear night and !
walked forward briskly. Twas not long
in discover ng that my expedition would
be by no means an agreeable one.
The road-if road il could be called
was very bad, and through the thickesi
forest in that part of the country. The
night. too, crept on apace, and promised
to be darker than common. But Lion
trottted along by my side; | was smart
walker, and was confident ! was getting
over the ground fast, SO ! didn't mind il
much.
The darkness was on before was a.
ware of il. Ii seemed to me that had
already walked lS miles, but could see
no settlement. This surprised me lit
de, for / was used to travelling and knew