Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1880-11-04
"HECTOR:"
A Noble Newfoundland Dog.

Inc urSC QOG OF any nOC6 L1aC my I6Ln-
er possessed was black Newfoundland,
says an English lady. He was very
powerful aid intelligent animal. My
father trained him well, and taught him
to go from oar country place to the town
with q basket fastened round his neck,
with notes inside for the different trades
people, who understood that he would
readily give them up, and, If required,
would bring any thing sent, safely back.
He was often dispatched for a car to
hotel about mile distant. Hector
would 60 into the yard, and the hostler
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 be baffed.
He went straight to the bar, and gently
barked to gain attention.
"Ah" said the girl, "Hector wants
car" which settled the business.
At that time it was very dangerous to
walk at night in the country roads. 1t
was before the rural police were appoint
ed. When my father was absent of an
evening, Hector was always sent to meet
him. A spiked collar was put on to pro-
a certain place, and he never tailed to be
there. One evening I was walking home
with my father; it was 30 dark we could
scarcely see anything. My father said,
"We ought to have met George by this
time. I told him to come with the Ian
term"
We walked on a few yards, and Hector
met US. He was half mile ahead of his
accustomed waiting place. My father
was strict disciplinarian, and spoke
sharply to the dog, scolding him for
coming. When he reached the stlle to
cross the field the dog was restless and
growled savagely. g.E
"Back, Hector, backp' said nay father
but the dog would not obey him, and
bounded over first. ''There is something
the matter" SAID my father, as he took
his clasp knife from his pocket aud OPP
ened it, whispering to me, tive may have
fight. Be sure yeu do not lay hold of
my arm" He then struck light with
his flint and steel, whereupon a man
sprang up and moved on before us.
"Mind yourself, father" said I;"Hec-
tor will take care of me-" the dear crea.
ture came close to my side and put his
nose into my hand. I knew he would
fight for us to the death. For though as
gentle as lamb to those he loved, he
was as fierce as lion in defense of them.
My father was very powerful and fear
less man; he had his daughter to protect,
and his spirit was thoroughly reused
but he knew that 1t would we'll to trust
to the dog, and see what he would do.
When we reached the stile, he stood still
and growled. My father said: "Come,
you fellows; come at once, now. ovel
the stile. know you are there. Come
at once or will set my dog upon you
and he will show you no mercy
There was movement, and one, and
then another man came grumbling. Hec.
tor stood firm, uttering low, continued
growl. 5.e
"Come along" exclaimed my father
"there are more of you. You had better
be quick"
i Another came, saying, "That he hao
as much right to the road as we had"
Still the dog would not cross thu
stile. &7s.
"There is another of you. If you d.
not come at once, my dog will xii
YOU"
He saw the animals patience was well
nigh exhausted. The last then skunk
over, and the dog bounded over the stile
into the lane. Then we knew the brave
creature had saved US. When we cam,
to the public-house,' George, our man
servant, was sitting comfortable In th'
porch, waiting for US with the lantern
He had seen two men, and was afraid Il
come on.
could tell many interesting stor1e
of this noble animal. His end was sad
When we were removing to another
house, he was taken to protect some O
the things that were being put in thu
loft above the stable; the stupid man VIII,
put him there tied him up; the poor crea
lures feet had slipped, and when tn
door was opened next morning our faith
full friend was found strangled.