Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-05-16
From Blackwood's Magazine.
A London DOg-Stealing Story.

celebrated painter OF animals IN London had
painted the portrait of splendid Newfoundland dog,
but he strayed stolen he returning from
his last sitting. His owner was inconsolable but
knowing the distinguished artists large and intimate
acquaintance with persons who confidently concern
themselves 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 the dog fanciers,' who asked him what kind
of dog it was? "Why," said he, " look here, this
is his picture, Should you know him again."
The fellow gazed at the vividly faithful represen-
tation for minute or two ntently and then said
81 thinks Use got him now l shall know him if
see him. But what's the reward %
"Wer 'ansome indeed, and worth little trouble
but such prime hanmil that ere will cost deal
of trouble to get hold on, such is ia
ken on 'em by them as has got 'em. Howso'er I'll
do my best )" and again he glued his eyes on the
pictured dog and then withdrew.
month elapsed without tidings of the missing
ten-pounder but at length, in the dusk of the even
ing, the artist summoned into his painting ROOM
and there found his confidential agent. WE'LL Bill"
quoth the former, any news about the dog | have
given it up!"
"Oh, no. don't sir" was the reply, with wink.
'I do really believe Ive got him at last But is the
tip all safe still, and mistake!'
"Ay-have it any way ou like"
cit amt check q asked his astute companion.
"No-a ten pound note, two fves, or sovereignsn
'Well, sir, where that words said by gent
there's end of everything; so the dog will be here
in half an hours time, and pretty business have
had to get him."
Half an hours lapse this little stroke of busi
ness complete, and the dog and cash changed.
"Well now, my man," said the artist, " its all
over and though I said wouldn't ask you any ques-
tions, can't help it, merely out of curiosity give
you my honor that have no other motives and will
take steps at all in consequence of what you may
tell me. Did ever deceive you o.
"No, sir, you never did 2"
swell, do you know who stole him o.
Quite sure you won't do nothing if tell you 2"
Honor, honor
"Well, sir was the chap as prigged him."
You !" echoed the great artist, with expanded
eyes, uplifted hands, and great start.
Yes, me, sir tookd the dog, and no mistake"
"Whew a.? Well but now Pm curious still 10 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?n
Coos, sir, you see, sold un 10 another party for
seven pounds, who took such liking to the creature
that hadn't the heart TO steal from him till he'd
had week or two's comfort out of him but as soon
as he had, know'd how to prg the dog, |, could
do it once, could do it twice; and now you've
got what you want but it sartinly sounds curious,
don't it 2"
"Why, you consumate scamp" quoth the artist,
almost splitting with laughter you've got seventeen
pounds out of that dog"
Yes, sir that's the figure exact" replied the stol-
id 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 may but this here dog will be
looked after unkimmin close now, and shant
no risk. Besides, 'honor among thieves you know"
And with wise look the fellow departed