Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-12-06
INTELLECTUAL SPOT.
Some Anu sing Stories OF a Curious and
Decidedly Original Dog.


| Decidedly Original Dog.
Carriage-dogs are seldom cookbook
ing; |, for my part. have dislike to
their spotty appearance. but | must
confess to a weakness for Spot, who is
really quite one of the cleverest dogs
l have ever known, and though some
of the stories told of him sound alto
gether improbable. the truth of them
can be vouched for without hesitation.
Part of his life he lived at Cambridge,
and as he had great deal of spare
time on his hands (his master being
much engrossed by his literary work.,
he took to paying visits to neighbor-
ing police-station, and taking his ex-
ercise with members of the staff. His
master knew but little of his move
ments, as spot was dog of independ-
ent habits, and we'll able to take care
of himself. On some occasions he alb
scented himself for few days to-
gether, but always turned up safe
and sound at the end of that
time; no anxiety being meantime
felt about him, although nobody knew
what he did with himself. Enlighten-
ment on this point was brought home
to his master in the following fashion:
He had been giving himself little
more relaxation of late, and Spot had
been, in consequence, more with him,
and less abroad on his own devices.
One evening, as master and dog were
sitting over the fire together, there
came kock at the door, followed by
the entrance of a police constable,
whose appearance Spot hailed by flop
ping his tail upon the floor. IF you
please, SIR" began the man, civilly,
I've come 10 ask if you can kindly
spare the dog for bit?" The dog!"
replied the master, in surprise; my
dog, do you mean? What do you want
him for?" We've got new man on
the beat, SIR" was the answer, as if
that could explain every thing.
Much perplexed, the dogs master
proceeded to make inquiries, and
elected the Information that Spot,
from accompanying the different men
on their rounds, had learned every
beat with the greatest precision. and
was quite qualified adept at instruct
ing the new man. The constable
simply started the dog on any given
round and babe the new man follow
him; and sure enough Spot would show
him his beat. take him accurately
round it, and never make mistake.
Night or day he would be at the service
Of any new man, and would constitute
himself his protector until he had
familiarized himself with his new
duties. 1T saves us telling off a man
to instruct newcomer, you see, SIR"
concluded the constable. 'And if so
be as you can spare the dog, you'll be
doing US kindness. Taught him,
sir? Bless you, he taught his own self.
Nobody ever taught him nothing.
Dogs like that don't want no teaching.
He just keeps his eyes and ears open,
and takes it in like human creature
that he do" 1t really seemed some
times as if the policeman's words were
true.
One of the sons of the house where
he lived, who was going TO live in Dub
lin, petitioned to take Spot with him,
as he was such companion. This was
agreed to, and Spot was taken from the
Manor House, where his latter years
had been passed, and transplanted to
Dublin. Letters brought the news
that he did not seem to settle down at
all comfortably; and one morning, as
the family were assembled at break
fast. what was their surprise to see
Spot walk calmly in, with an air of the
utmost assurance, and lie quietly down,
with sigh of contentment, upon
favorite black mat OF his in front of
one of the French windows. He was
tired and rather shabby-looking, but
quite composed and self-contained,
showing no elusive excitement, but
sort of calm satisfaction, which was
quite as eloquent in its way. At first
it was supposed that the dogs mas
ter must be on the road, as it was
considered impossible that the
uOS COUiu nave CrOoScu Ju0
water alone; but no master
came, only a letter announcing the loss
of Spot Partly out of curiosity,
believe Qhough 1t seemed rather
shame, thought), poor Spot was sent
back to Dublin. But what dog can do
once, he can do again, and very soon
he was back in his old home, from
which no further attempt was made to
move him. 1t was then l made his &C
quaintance; and though l never wit
messed any facts of extraordinary
sagacity, he always had the air and
manner of very wide-awake and in
telligent dog. He had odd likes and |
dislikes among the horses, with whom |
he spent most Of his time. There |
were some among them with whom he |
positively declined to run, whoever
rode or drove them, while it was a
perfect delight to go with others. AL
together he was curious dog, and de-
cidedly an original -CdsselrS Maya
zine.