The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1856-06-12
london DOg-StealIng.

| A celebrated painter of animals in Lon.
don had painted the portrait of a splendid
Newfoundland dog, but he strayed or was
stolen as he was returning from his last sit
ting. His owner was inconsolabIe but
knowing the distinguished artists large and
intimate acquu intancc with persons who
confidently concern themselves with other
peoples dogs, repaired to him for advice,
and authorized him to offer ten pounds re.
wardfOr the recovery of the missing favor
ite. The artist soon put himself in CON-
munication with one OF his "dog.fanciers, /"
who asked him what kind ofa dog it was {!
"Why," says he, "look here, this is his pic
ture-should you know hip again ~ .,z.zss,V:.
The fellow gazed at the MvItl5 faithful
representation for minute or two intently,
and then said .....
81 thinks Use got him now, shall know
him il l see him. But what's the reward!'
"Ten pounds"
"Wery 'ansome, indeed, and worth lit
tie trouble. But such prime hanimal as
that 'ere will cost deal of trouble to get
mold on--sich uncommon care is taken on
'em by them as has got 'em. Howsomever
II do my best"
And again he glued his eyes on the pic
tured dog and then withdrew.
A month elapsed without tidings of the
missing ten. FOUNDER; but at last, IN the dusk
of the evening, the artist was summoned
into his paintiRg-room, and there found his
confidential agent.
"Weil' Bill" quoth the artist, "any news
about the dog! have given him up."
"Ob, no, sir; don't do no sich a thing"
said the fellow, with knowing kind of
wink--''I do really believe I've got him at
last, But is the tip all safe, yet, and no
mistake!"
"Ay--have il any way you like"
at amt check!" asked the fellow.
"No--a ten-pound note, two fves, or SOW
ereigns.'
"WeIl, sir, where that words said bv
gent, there's an end Of everything; SO the
dog will be here in haitian hours time, and
pretty business have had to find him."
Half an hours lapse saw this little stroke
OF business complete, and the dog and cash
exchanged.
"Well, now, my man." said the artist,
"it's all over, and though l said I wouldn't
ask you any questions, can't help it, mere
ly out of curiosity. Igive you my honor
that | have no other motive, and will take
no steps at all in consequence of what you
may tell me. Did ever deceive you!"
"No, sir, you never did,"
swell, do you know who stole hint"
"Quite sure you won't do nothing if
tells you!" ...
"Honor, honor!'
swell, sir | was the chap as prigg'd
him."
"You!' echoed the great artist, with ex.
panded eyes, uplifted hands and great
start
"Yes, me. sir. l took'd the dog and no
mistake"
"Whew! Well, but now am curious
still to know why you chose to be SO long
out Of your money your ten pounds! Why
not have brought him back in a few days
and got your ten pounds at once!,'
"Cos, sir, you see, / sold him to another
party for seven pounds, who took such H.
kim to the creature that hadn't the heart
to steal him from him till he'd had week
or two's comfort out on him; but as soon as
he had, know'd how to prig the dog. I,
as could DO it once ! could do it twice; and
now you've got what you want--but it sar-
tinly sounds SUNNI ut curious, don't it!"
"Why, you consummate scamp" quoth
the artist, almost splitting with laughter,
s.you've got seventeen pounds cut of that
dog!"
Eyes, sir, that's the figure, 'xactly,' re-
piled the stolid man of dogs. .... ,
"Well, but. you impudent vagabond, if
you could prig dog, as you say, once, and
twice. you may thrice" ....
"Well, sir SO I may; but this 'ere dog
will be look'd after unkimmin close now,
and shan't run no risk. Besides, 'honor
among thieves you know"
Thus saying, and with wise look, the
fellow depafted. -BlackUood's Magazine. s