Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-07-26
London Dog Stealing.

A celebrated painter Of animals in Lon
don had painted the portrait of splendid
Newfoundland dog, but he strayed or was
stolen as he was 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, AID authorized him to Offer ten
pounds reward for the recovery of his
missing favOrite.
The artist soon put himself in commu-
nication 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 vividly faithful
representation for minute or two intent
ly, and then said:
81 think I'se got him now; / shall
know him if see him. But what's the
reward?"
"Ten pounds!''
"Wery 'ansOme indeed, and worth a
little trouble, but such prime hanimal
as that ere viii cost great deal of trou-
BILE to get hold on. such uncommon care
is taken on 'em by them As has got 'em.
HowsO'er I'll do my best"
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.
swell, Bill" quoth the former, "any
news about the dog? have iven it up 70
"Oh, no, don't, sir" was the reply, with
wink. 81 do really believe I've got him
at last. But is the tip all safe still, and no
mistaken"
"Ay-have it any way you like"
1T amt checkT' asked his astute
companion.
"No; ten-pound note, two fives, or
sovereigns." f,
"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 pretty time I've had to find him."
Haitian hours lapse saw this little stroke
of business complete, and the dog and the
cash exchanged.
swell, now, my man," said the artist,
sits all over; and though / said |
wouldn't ask you any questions, l can't
help it, merely out of curiosity. l give
motive and will take no steps at all In
consequence vi Wu6b yOu uu0y tCll h1Cs
Did ever deceive your"
"No, sir, you never did,"
swell, do you know who stole him %
"Quite sure you won't do nothing if /
tell you? ?'
"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. i took'd the deg, and
no mistakel' ~ ,r
"Whewl Well, but now I'm curious
still 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 another
party for seven pounds, who took such a
liking to the creature that 1 hadn't the
heart to steal an from him until he'd had
week or two's comfort out of him but
as soon as he had, L know'd how to prig
the dog. / as could do it once, could do
it twice, and now you've got what you
want; but it sartainly sounds curious,
don't itY'
"Why, you consummate scamp
quoth the artist, almost splitting with
laughter, you've got seventeen pounds
out of that dogr
" Yes, sir, that's the figure, exact" re-
piled the stolid man of dogs.
swell, but you impudent vagabOnd, il
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 unkimmOn close
now, and shan't run no risk. Besides.
honor among thieves yer know!"
And with a wise look the fellow de-
parted.