Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1898-02-17
BEVIS.


to start from Geneva. l climbed on
the roof, and chose my place next the
driver; there was still a vacant seat,
and the porter called Monsieur Der
mann!"
A tall young man with a German
style OF countenance advanced, holding
in his arms a large black greyhound.
which he vainly tried to place on the
roof.
Monsieur, said he. addressing me,
twill you have the kindness to take
my dog?"
Bending over, l took hold of the
animal and placed him on the straw
at my feet. / observed that he wore
a handsome silver collar, on which
the following words were tastefuly en-
graved: Bevis. / belong to Sir Ar
thur Burnley, given him by Miss
Clara"
His owner was therefore, an Eng
lishman yet my fellow traveller, VINO
had now taken his place by my side.
was evidently Swiss or a German,
and his name was Dermann. TrifliDS
as was the mystery, it excited my Gu
rjosity, and after two or three hours
pleasant conversation had established
an intimacy between us l ventured
to ask my companion for an explana-
ton.
'It does not surprise me-" he an
ywered, that this collar should puz-
zle you; and l have great pleasure in
telling you the story of its wearer.
Bevis belongs to me, but it is not
many years since he owned another
master, whose name is on the collar.
You will see why he still wear 1t.
Bevis, speak to the gentleman"
The dog raised his head, opened his
bright eyes, and, laying back his long
ears, uttered a sound which nigh.
well pass for a salutarior..
NJ. Dermann placed the animals
head on his knees and began to unfas-
ten tho collar.
Instantly Bevis drew oacS his head
with violent jerk, and darted to-
ward the luggage on the hinder part
OF the roof. There, growing fiercely,
he lay down, while his muscles were
stiffened, and his eyes glowing with
fury.
v'ss"You see, Monsieur, how determined
he is to guard his collar. should
not like to be the man who would try
to rob him of it. Here. Bevis,' said he
IN soft, caressing tom. Il won
touch it again, poor fellow! Cone
and make friends!"
The greyhound hesitatsl, still growl.
lug. At length he returned slowly to-
ward his master, and began to lick his
hands; his muscles gradually relaxed,
and he trembled like leaf.
There, boy, there" said M. Der
man, caressing him. 1--WE won't do
1t again. Lie down now, and be quiet"
The dog nestled between his mas
ter's feet and went to sleep. My fell
low traveller, then turning toward me,
began:
II am a native of Suabia, Gus live
In little village of the Shetland, at
the foot of the Grimsel. My father
keeps an inn for the reception OF tray
elers going to St. Gothard. About two
years since there arrived at our house
one evening young EngllshInan, with
pale, sad countenance; he travelled
OF foot, and was followed by large
greyhound-this Bevis, whom you soc.
He declined taking any rerreshment
and asked to be shown to his sleeping
room. We gave him one over the
common hall, where we were all seat
ed round the fire. Presently we heard
him pacing rapidly up and down. from
time to time uttering broken words.
addressed no doubt to his dog, for the
animal moaned occasionally, as II re-
plying to and sympathizing with his
master.
AT length we heard the Englishmau
stop and apparently strike the dog a
violent blow, for the poor beast gave
q loud howl of agony, and seemed as
it he ran to take refuge under the bed.
Then his master groaned aloud. Soon
nfterward he lay down, and all was
quiet for the night. Early next morn
tng he came down, looking still more
pale than the previous evening, and.
having paid for his lodging, he tool:
his knapsack and resumed his journey.
followed by the greyhound, who had
eaten nothing since their arrival, and
whose master seemed to take no fur
Their notice of him than to frown when
she creature ventured to caress him.