Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-05

And oft with gentle hand give thee bread,
~ 0''F Wy '"ee~ 00'' ' ~coisridse. .'''
Among the various stories of pet ami
mails, we do not remember any regarding
the donkey. The creature is too abject,
too much of drudge, TO be thought intel
lgent or capable of showing affection in
return for kind treatment. That kindness,
however, will not be thrown away on this
humble and willingly useful animal. We
propose to tell story of "Donald"a small
donkey, a native of Ireland who was
bought by hard-working saddler at Loar-
head, village near Edinburg. The sad
dler, though young, was not robust. A
consciousness of failing health had led
him to make the purchase of the donkey,
in the hope that when properly trained
and equipped with small spring-cart, he
might be of use in driving about the neigh
borhood. The first thing the saddler did
was to train Donald to run in harness. and
the training was effected with care and
gentleness that won universal admiration.
Good usage was not thrown away. The
animal diligently, and we might almost
say with degree of gratitude, exerted
himself in the work to which he was put.
The saddler's illness was a grievous
misfortune. He was attacked by cOnsump-
ton, and daily becoming more feeble, he
could neither benefit by driving about
with Donald, nor could he work. His
business fell off; it ceased. Day by day,
poverty crept over the miserable estab-
lshment. The ichildren could no longer
indulge in the luxury of giving Donald
crus:s of bread. They had barely food
for themselves, and were fain to make up
for deficiencies by bringing in from the
roadsides a double allowance of thistles
and grass for Donald.
In his last days, in order to enjoy the
sunshine, the dying man had a seat out
side his dwelling, and on such occasions
the donkey, as if conscious of his masters
infirmity. was pleased to stand beside him.
looking mournfully in his face. When the
invalid spoke few kind words, Donald
came affectionately to him and laid his
head fondly on his shoulder, and so would
remain till his master had done speaking.
When the saddler became so ill as to be
confined to bed, the donkey would stand
for hours at the window listening for his
masters voice, and was glad to be called
into the sick room to be patted. 1t was
affecting to see how deeply the invalid was
interested in the animal. When barely
able to sit up in bed, he called for Donald's
harness, which needed little mending;
and this was the last piece of work that he
was able to execute. What was to come
of the family when the head of the house
was removed? The dismal state of affairs
was at times discussed by the disconsolate
husband and wife. 1t was blank look
out. To discharge obligations, every
atom of property would probably have to
be sold off
"Jeanie," said the saddler family, a day
or two before his death, ~ say, Jeanie, /
should like you to keep Donald for my
sake; but fear yen hae to part Wi him
We Gamma keep him. l thoct we could hae
made him usefu' beast, by lettin' him out
for hire, and sac bringin' in little siller.
If We could manage to keep him. it would
be grand thing for you and the BARNS,
when I'm ta'en away.
1t was evident that the poor man viewed
the pet donkey as in some sort means of
livelihood for his bereaved family.
"He Gamma do the work o. horse, puir
fellow" she observed. "but he's very
willin.' He would work till he fa's doom.
l never kenn'd sic willin' cratur. And
he's sic guid-natured wee beastie
Keep yorseP easy, Andrew, about Donald.
Wen try to make fend. Iwadna won
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