The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-06-22
a Faithful Guard.

The first dog OF any note that my father
possessed was Il black Newfoundland. Ilc
was very powerful and intelligent animal.
My father trained Him well, and taught him
To go from our country place to the town
with basket fastened around his neck,
with notes inside Tor the different trades
people, who understood that he would
readily give them up, and if required, would
bring anything sent, safely back. lie was
often dispatched for Cur to a hotel about
mile distant. Hector would go into the
yard, and the hostlcr knew at once what
was wanted. One day there was strange
man in the yard, who could not understand
what Hector meant. But the dog was not
to he baffcd. lie went straight to the bar,
and gently barltcd to attract attention.
"Ah! said the girl, "IIcctor wants a
car, which settled the business.
AT that time it was very dangerous to
walk at night in tho country roads. 1t was
| before the rural police were appointed.
When my father was absent of an evening,
Hector was always sent TO meet him. A
spiked collar was put on to protect his
| throat. lie was told to wait al a certain
place, and he never failed to be there. Ono
| night was walking home with my father;
il was so dark VIC could scarcely sec any
thing. My father said, "Wc ought to have
met George by this time. told him to
come with the lantern"
We walked on few yards, and Hector
met us. lie was half a mile ahead Of his
accustomed waiting place. My father was
a strict disciplinarian, and spoke sharply to
the dog, scolding him for coming on. But
begged him not to do so, thinking there
might be some good reason for his coming.
OH Ia 10
fields, tho dog was restless, and growlcd
savagcly.
'Back, Hector, back" said my father,
but the dog would not obey him, and bound
cd over first. s'rhcre is something the
matter" said my father, as he took out his
clasp knife and opened it., whispering to
me: "Wc may have a fight. BE sure you
do not lay hold of my ARM" lie then
struck light with his flint and steel, where
upon man sprang up and moved on before
us.
"Mind yourself, father" said +; "Hcc.
tor will take care of me-" The dear crca-
turc came close to my side and put his nose
into my hand. | knew he would fight for
lis to the death; for though as gentle as a
lamb to those hc loved, he was ticrco as a
lion in defense Of them. My father was a
very powerful and fearless man. He had
his daughter to protect, and his spirit was
thoroughly reused; but he knew it would
be well to trust to the sagacity OF the dog,
and see what he would do. When we
reached the stilc he stood still and grow]cd.
My father said "Comc, you fellow, come
at once over this stilc. know you arc
there. Come at oncc or will set my dog
upon yon, and he will show you no
mercy"
There was movement, and one, and
then another man, came grumblng. Hec.
ter stood firm, uttcring low continued
growl.
"Comg along,' exclaimed my father;
s'thcre are more of you. You had better
be quick"
Another came, saying, "That he had as
much right to the road as We had"
"Still the dog would not cross the stile.
"Therc is another of you. Ifyou do not
come at once my dog will kill YOU"
IIc saw tho animals patience was we'll
nigh exhausted. The last then skunk over,
and the dog bounced over the stlle into tho
lane. Then wo knew the brave creature
had saved us. When wc came to the pub
lic.house, George, our man.servant, was
sitting comfortably on the porch waiting
for us with the lantern. Ho had seen two
mon, and was afraid to come.