Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-05-16
TFrous Blockwood's jMo0usine.1


From Blnckwoo Mo0u5ine.1
A LONDON DOG-STEALING ST0RY.
A celebrated pafnter OF animals in Lon
don had painted the portrait ola splendid
Newfoundland dog. but he strayed or was
stolen as he was returning from his last
sitting. The owner was inconsolable !;
but knowing the distinguished artists
large and intimete acquaintance with
persons who confidently concern them
selves with other peoples dogs. repaired
to him for advice. and authorized him to
offer ten pounds reward for the recovery
of the missing favorite. The artist soon
put himself in communication with one of
his dog fanciers" who asked him what
kind of dog it was. "Why."says he.
''look here, this is his picture. Should
you know him again ?"
The fellow gazed at the wildly faith.
full representation for a minute or two in
tently, and then said: II think Use got
him now shall know him if see him.
But what is the reward 90
Ten pounds"
"Werry handsome, indeed. and worth
a little trouble but such a prime HAMS
NAL as that ere will cost deal of trouble
to get holt on. such uncommon care is
taken on 'em by them as has got 'em.
Howsoe'er I'll do my best ; and again
he glued his eyes on the pictured dog,
and then withdrew.
A month elapsed without tidings of the
missing ten~pounder but at length in the
dusk OF the evening. the artist was sum-
moned into his painting room, and there
found his confidential agent. "Well,
Bill" quoth the former, any news
about the dog? [ have given it up y
20, no. don't, SIR" was the reply,
with a wink. al do really b'lieve I've
got him at last. But is the tip all safe,
still and no mistake ?''
"Ay- have it any way you like"
''It aint a check 90 asked his astute
"No-a ten pound note, two fves or
sovereigns."
"Well. sir, where that word is said by
a gent, theirs an end of everything SO
the dog will be here in half an hours
time. and pretty business 1 have had
y to find him."
Half an hours lapse saw this little bu-
Einess stroke complete, and the dog and
4 cash exchanged. "WelI. now. my man."
said the artist, 50 its all over. aud though
said wouldn't ask you any question.
can't help it merely out of curiosity. l
give you my word and 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 o.
No. sir. you never did"
"WeIl do you know who stole him ?"
''Quite sure you wont do nothing, if L
tell you?'
Houor, honor"
''WeIl, sir, 1 was the chap as pring'd
him.
"YouI echoed the great artist, with
expanded eyes, uplifted hands and a
great start"
"Yes. me, sir. I took the dog, and no
mistake"
"WhewI Wei. but now, am curious
to know why you chose to be so long out
of your money-your ten pounds. Why
not have brought him back in few days
and got your ten pounds at once -
"Cos, sir. you see. l sold un to anoth>
er party for seven pounds. who took such
liking to the creature. that had't the
heart to steal un from him till:he'd had
week or two's comfort out on him !; but as
soon as he had, knowed how to prig
de dog. l, as could do it once, l could
do it twice; but it certainly sounds curi1
Gus, don't it?"
"Why, you consummate scamp"
quoth the artist. you've got seventeen
pound out of that dog !'
'' Yes, sir, that's the figure. exact, !"
replied the stolid man of Dogs"
'Well. you impuden4 vagabond-if
you could prig a dog. as you say, once
and twice, you may thrice.'
Well. sir, SO 1 may but this here
dog will be looked after unkimmin close
now, and shan't run no risk. Besides.
'honor among thieves, you know" And
I'll 80. ~. r II