The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1861-08-27

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In the fall ~ lSl3 | made journey
from central New York, down through
tho eastern part a. Pennsylvania, to the
cts Of Philadelphia, ia numbering old
stage coach. To make matters Al disa-
ereeablo n possible, Il chanced that early
oue moraiug was aroused from sort Of
travelling dozc bY i crash and jar, aud the
settling down oi the front part Of tile ye-
hirlc. Tie fore part Of cur azlelrec had
broken close 20 ihe wheel. and until it
could 81 repaired We could moi proceed
any farther.
There's q small village back here about
three miles. said the driver 10 which I'm
gong totake the horsesaad you may either
coa4e with me, or ges loagings at g farm
huase close by.
As was the only passenger preferred
tbs nearest lodgings; and getting the dri-
yer 10 assist me IN removing my luggage
thi,her, asked entertainmentot tie farm
er. who asscnied il a cordial manners
and IN less ,ha an hour, ! was seated ai
the table and doing ample justice TO the
good cheer before me.
The family of Mr.. Mansfeld--ior such
was the name Of the worthy farmer-con-
sisted Of himself wife, a pretty daughter
Of fourteen, and a large English mastiii.
! have included the dog, because his Won
derful sagacity entitled him 70 a rank
much higher than an ordinary beast.
Before knew anything Of the remark
able qualities of this animal, was peculi-
arly attracted 10 him by "A certain air Of
stately dignity combined with geutleness,
and the almost human look of intelligence
that bcamed from his eyes. 1t seemed,
when he looked at me steadily and heard
me speak, as If he really knew what
said, and more than once l caught myself
iancying that he was about TO reply.
That's very fine dog you have, Mr..
Mansfield ! casually remarked, as drew
back from, the table and saw the eyes of
the animal fixed SO gently and comprehen-
sibly upon mine. AT what price do you
value him Z
His weight in diamonds could not pur.
chase him, sir 7 replied the farmer. 81
Indeed - f.
No, sir; he is one OF us--one Of the
family, may say-and should quite as
soon think Of disposing Of my wife, or my
daughter Hattie, as Of selling him.
There must be a very strong attach
mcut between you, certainly rejoined.
Indeed there is--a bond Of Uuion that
nothing bat death can sever. A most ex-
trioTdinary animal, sir, is Bruno and TO
him. under God, am indebted for the life
of my darling child Only for him, sir,
this would long since have been house
Of mourning
-s You excite my curiosity will you not
favor me with the story 2
Presently will, sir. But first let me
show you how much Bruno knows and un-
derstands. Where did you place the can
dlestick last night, Hattie, when you went
to beds E.e.Fe .easr .--
On the table, father
sIs il there now !? #e.. -7-
No, sin; / brought it down in the
morning
And the cxtngusher? -. .. .--.
left that on the table, ...
You may 90 and get il. Stay I he
continued, as she rose TO obey, you may
not be able to find il in the dark, and
Bruno can. Go and get it Bruno
The dog, who-had been looking at US,
and seemingly listening to the conyersa-
ton, now quietly arose, and going TO the
door which opened upon stairway, he
stretched himself upward, lifted the latch
with one paw, pulled the door open with
the other, and disappeared. In few mo-
ments he returned with the extinguisher
in his mouth, which be carried straight to
bis master.
Give it TO Hattie said the latter.
The dog at once advanced to the girl.
| think mother wants il, laughed Hat
tie.
The dog Immediately went TO Mrs.
Mansfield, who was busy drying some
dishes and placing them upon large, old
fashioned cupboard.
Poor Bruno ? said his mistress, with
a smile, they are only trying you; but if
you viii 20 over to The fireplace, and take
a seat till am done, will relieve you Of
your charge.
No human being could have shown
more ready comprehension Of everything
spoken in an ordinary tone, than did that
sagacious brute and as lie walked over
with stately step AID seated himself as
directed, with the extingusheF still in his
mouth, inyoluntarily uttered an exela-
nation Of surprise.
! suppose you think this very clever
trick, which he has been taught, observed
The farmer, turning 10 me with a triumph
ant smile; but assure you, upon my
honor, never asked him to do the same
thing before.
Of course, was all amazemcnt--
What, save the power Of speech, was the
dividing line between this brute aud the
human speciesy After trying him sever
n times more, in different ways, and thus
proving him 10 have a knowledge Of all
that was said to him, Mr. Mansfield pro-