New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-06
THE DOGS SURPRISED THEIR OWNERS.
TESTS OF FIGHTING QUALITIES THAT RESULTED
pIsAsTRoUsLY

- N@phAA-NN ~ aLlIJIS THAT
DISASTRoUsLY
mans pride in his dog is one Of those things
which often exist without cause and only partially die
under discoura cement that woun kill an Apache said
Keen observer Of human nature the other day
i remember farmer who lived near Us WIN /
was boy. He had collie dog that had been in his
family FOR years, faithful servant and brave de-
fender II had litter Of pups all Of which died ex
eept one and the old persuaded himself that that
pup though it was not by any means Of the purest
breed possessed all the virtues Of its mother magnhed
and intensified dozenfold.
He came over to our house one warm sprInc dav
with the shaggy little pup peepng out of bis big over
coat pocket, and he began 10 brag about the good
qualities OF the animal. We boys were always ready
Tor fun and we had little black Spanish hen with
HOOK Of chickens. that was as two sticks. In
order to 'cha' the old told him that his pup
was no good and that we had hen which could lick
the dog in two rounds.
=" The old mans pride was hurt. He took the pup
out OF his pocket and followed Us outdoors to pit him
against our hen. My brother drove the hen and her
brood up to and the old man slcked his pup on to
her. The hen thought the dog was after her chickens
and with vicious squawk she dashed around behind
him IN the twinklrg Of an eye, and fastening her
strong beal firmly IN the long hair his back began
to beat him vigorously with her wings and kick up
such cloud Of dust and such Robbery GENERALLY,
frightened almost OUT OF his wits at the queer attack
and fed, yelping and bowling as If for his life. with
the hen still holding 10 him for a score OF yards
The old man could not help but Join fl the laugh
we all enjoyed. but lie felt cresfallen that when
went home he drowned the pup that clicked by a
hen.
II remember. too. an uncle Of mine who owned a
farm in another part Of the State. We boys used 10
and visit him occasionally, and wien did he
always cautioned not by any chance TO leave open
the gate Of big paddock where he kept prize thor
Ougbred boar of great size and ferceness with curling
tusks and erect bristles. This boar the deadly
enemy Of my uncles pet dog. fine beast, cross
between a mastif and bloodhound, as heavy almost
a a yearling calf, and able 70 knock a man over as
easily as to bark at him.
"Thls dog and this boar used 10 make faces at each
other speak, through the closely built rail fence
that surrounded the paddock. The dog would bark
furousy at the boar and the boar would foam at the
mouth and champ his great tusks at the dog. They
would both race along the fence like mad meanwhile
looking for any hole break through which they could
get each other and tear another pieces. The
fecceness of their aspect used TO put the whole family
in a tremor sometimes, thinking Of the dreadful
quences that would follow If a rail sometime should be
left down or a gate open.
one day my uncle had caught me In par
ticuary wicked piece OF mischief and had boxed my
ears. 1 resented this assumption OF my fathers
prerogatves 50 much that resolved TO revenge my
self by letting that dog and that boar have a free
fight Accordingly pulled out an entire rail from
one part Of the fence surrounding the paddock and
lay low 10 await results.
Lion, the dog, away with uncle 10 the post
Office at the time and they both home together.
Lion had had fun that day and be started to have
little chase with the boar who waiting and ready
for him. Away they went, on either side Of the
fence, one barking. the other squealng and both
crashing their teeth. Uncle began calling Lion OF,
but the dog paid heed and soon unclc's anxious
eye caught sight of the missing rail. With q shout
he started for the spot. but Lion and the boar
bearing down on il at q fearful rate AMI would
tanly get there before he could.
A cold sweat broke out oil over the old man, and
his face blanchcd he strained every nervo I'D
muscle 10 prevent the approaching combat. which
the animals came together cOuld not but end
in the death Of one or both VI the valuable
batants.
But il was no use. The dog and the boar were
now rushing along ut q fHriOus gait. filing the air
WITH dust and clamor, and scanning with fierce eyes
every foot Of the fence that separated them Pres
entity they came 10 the gap and found themselves
at last face TO face.
They stopped, they stared. and then in wild
prise and affect terror OF each other turned tail
simultaneously and fled like the wind In opposite
directions.
Uncle ZelIe breathed long sigh Of relief. but he
never valued either OF them half much again.