Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-04-18
EVENING STAR.
A s0FT-HEARTED THIEF.

N certdin celeorated painter OF animals as
they never were painted before, and may
never be painted again, had painted the por
trait of splendid Newfoundland dog, but he
strayed or was stolen as he was returning
from his last sitting His owner was inconso-
liable; but knowing the distinguished artist ;
large and intimate acquaintance with per-
sons who cOnfdentially concerned themselves
with other peoples dogs, repaired to him for
advice, and authorized him of the magnif
cent palettee to offer ten pounds reward for
the recovery of the missing favorite. The ar
tist soon put himself into Communication with
one of his private friends, who asked him
what kind of dog it was? "Why," says
the artist, 9 look here; this is the picture :;
should you know him again p" The fellow
gazed at the wildly faithful representation
for minute or two intently, and then said
thinks Use got him now; L shall know
if see him. But what's the tip?" "Ten
pounds Very andsome, indeed and
worth little trouble; but such prime han.
lmal as that ere will cost deal of trouble
To get hold on, such uncommon care is taken
on EN- by them as has got 'em Howse'er,
III do my best ;" and again he glued his
eyes on the pictured dog, and then withdrew.
A month elapsed without tidings of the miss
ing ten-pounder; but at length in the dusk
OF the evening, the great artist was summoned
into his painting room, and there found his
former, " any news about the dog have
given 1t up" "Oh, no, don't sir" was the
reply, with a wink. 81 do rally believe We
got him at last. But is the tip all safe still,
and no mistake ?" "Ay-have it any uay
you like" 1t aint check ,'' asked his
astute companion. "No-a ter pound note
two fves, or sovereigns." "Well-and no
questions ant to be asked lest L should get
any friends into trouble ?" "Only you bring
I'M ma md tolra 81.
and all,s donsrfor ever. Honorr'
~ Well, sir, where that words said by a.
gent, there's an end of everything; so the dog
VIII be here In half an hours time and a
pretty business I've had to find him Half
an-hours lapse saw this little stroke of busi-
ness complete, and dog and cash exchanged
Well now, my man, said the artist, " and
1t all over, though 1 said L wouldn't ask
you 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 ?' mo, sir, YOU never
did" "Well do you know who stole him ,
Quite sure you won't do nothing if L tell
you!' HOnor-honor - "Well, sir was
the chap as pr gg d him" " You 20 echoed
the artist with expanded eyes, uplifted hands,
the dog, and no mistake" sWhew Well
but now m more curious still to know why
you chose to be so long out of your money
your ten pounds! Why not have you brought
him back in few days and get your ten
pounds at once?' ''COs, sir, you see sold
un to another party for seven pounds, who
took such liking to the creature, that
hadn't the heart to steal un from him, till
he'd week or two's comfort out of him; but
| as soon as he had, know'd how to prig the
dog. L, as could do it once, could do it twice
and now you We got what vou want hut ;r
sartinly sounds coOrious, don't it," "Why
you consummate scamp" quoth the artist,
almost splitting with laughter" you've got
seventeen pounds out of the dog" eyes,
sir, that's the figure, exact" replied the stol-
Id man of dogs. "Well, but you impudent
vagabond-if you could prig a dog, as YOU
say, once and twice, you may thrice-"
Well, sir, so L may-but this ere dog will
be looked arter unkimmin close ,lou, and
shan't run no risk" "Well, honor among
thieves-eh - "Quite correct, sir. r."-Biack-
H,OOd's