Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-05-10
A London Dog-Stealing Story.

A celebrated painter OF animals in London
had painted the portrait OF splendid New
oundland dog, but he strayed or was stolen
rs he was returning from his last sitting. His
owner was inconsolable ; but knowing the dis
tingushed artists large and intimate &C
quantance with persons who confidently con
cern themselves with other peoples dogs.
repaired to him for advice, and authorized
him TO offer ten pounds reward for the re-
covery of the missing favorite. The artist
soop 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 7"
TIE fellow gazet at the wildly faithful re-
presentation rrr n minute or two. and then
said: Il thinks Use got him nov; shall
know him if see him. But what's the re-
ward p
"Wery 'ansome, indeed. and worth little
trouble hut such prime hanimal ms that
ere will cost deal of trouble TO get hold on.
such uncommon care is taken on 'em by them
as has got 'em. Howso'er, I'll do my hest :;
and again he glued his eyes on the pictured
dog, and then withdrew.
A month elapsed without tidings Of the
missing ,en-pounder; but AT length, in the
dusk Of the evening. the artist was summoned
into his painting room, aud there found his
confidential agent. We'll, Bill quoth the
former, ANY news about the dog? l have
given it up!'
"Oh no, don't sir" was the reply. with a
wink. Il do really believe I've got him a.
last. But is the tip all safe, still, and no mis-
take ?"
"Ay-have it any way you like"
at amt check ?" asked his atlute COM
panion.
"No--a ten pound note, two fres, or sove.
reiens."
"Well. sir. where that words said by a
gent. there's an end Of everything : so the dog
will be here in half an hours time, and a
pretty business have had to find him."
Half an hours lapse saw this little stroke
Of business complete, and the dog and cash
exchanged. We'll, now, my man." said the
artist. it's all over, and though | said |
wouldn't ask you any question. | can't help
it. merely out of curiosity. ] give 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 p
mo, sir, you never did"
"Well, do you know who stole him p
"Qute sure you won't do nothing if tell
you ?"
Honor, honor"
well sir, was the chap as prigg'd him.
"I on !" echoed the great artist with ex
parded eyes, upiIted hands and great
| start
Yes, me, sir. took'd the dog and nc
mistake" .,
"Who.-, w.t. ,,uu now I'm curious stl
to know why you choose to be so long ont o
your money--your ten pounds? why rot
! have brought him back in few days and goI
| your Gl0 at once?
Cos. sir, you see. | sold un to another
party for seven pounds, who took such {
| liking to the creature thut hadn't the hear
TO steal un from him till he'd had II week o
two'S comfort out on him; hut as soon as k'
had, ] know'd how TO prg the do;. |, a
could DO il once could DO it twice anl nov
You've rot what you want; but it sartainl
sounds curons, don't it?'
why, You cOnsummate scamp qu0th tn
artist, almost splitting with laughter, 'you'v
got seventeen pounds out of that dog -
"Ycs sir. that's the figure, exact" rep,!e
the stoid Man Of Dogs.
We'll, but, you impudent vngabond il 20
could rrig dog. us you say, once, and twice
you may thrice"
"Well. sir, so ] may; hut this here do
will be looked after unkimmn close now, an
I shan't run no risk. Besides. honor anon
thieves yer know" And with q wise loo
the fellow departed.