The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1906-01-11

| L decided that 4 would name MIN
Nedjeh, whicn seemed to suit his dark
beauty, and Informed him of his new
cognomen. 1t took him some time to
get used to 1t, but then, 1 couldn't ex.
pect everything.
The next morning, after night spent
on comfortable pillow. Nedjeh was
as much at home In my bachelor quar-
tiers as IL he had been born there. He
examined all the corners, searched the
closets, watched my orderly polish my
boots with every sign of approval and,
lastly, turned his attention to me and
my bed. He regularly took possession
| Of me and made himself completely at
home.
After his own toilet had been made
and the traces of his former misery
removed. presented him to the mess,
where, with perfect self-possession, he
accepted the pettings and attentions
of my fellow officers.
"He would make an excellent mill
tary dog" said the Colonel, always
an emlnently practical man.
VERY true" said the Lieutenant
Colonel, who invariably agreed with
his superior. as was proper.
Let me have him, Wilhelm" said
my chum. captain in my own regi-
ment. "I'll teach him the tricks of
the trade. He'd be fine mascot"
And, indeed, 1t was not long before
the intelligent animal had learned his
lesson well. He could give the alarm
signal the approach of the enemy, dis
cover sentlnels and spies and carry
written messages, delivering them to
the proper person. The Colonel was
delighted with him, and he soon be-
came the pet of the regiment.
There was one thing, however. that
Nedjeh learned to hate very thorough
ly, even in painted picture, and that
was the French uniform. In order
to inspire HIM with a lasting senti-
ment Of this nature. my friend, the
captain. after fastening the dog in
the stable, had dressed up as a French
officer and then pretended to strike
me.
The experiment was a complete sue
cess. so much so that we had to inter-
rupt 1t for fear of an accident, for
Nedjeh was straining at his rope and
growing. After that he evinced a
great hatred for anything that recalled
the uniform. Alas, it was this very
sentiment that brought about his
death.
One day in July was walking with
my friends ON the outskirts of the city.
admiring the rich crops that would
soon be harvested. Nedjeh was with
me on a leash.
From time to time be looked at me
with bored expression and yawned
widely, his white teeth cleaning in his
mouth. Seeing that was bound to
continue my walk, he followed at my
heels wit. resigned droop to his
ears.
We stopped where a company of men
were practicing craftsmanship, and
presently felt hard tug at the leash
Nedjeh, his eyes cleaning, his hair
bristling, was standing ON his hind
legs barking madly.
In vain tried to soothe him, patting
and calling him pet names: he only con-
tinued to bark, hoarsely and chokingly,
as he strained at his collar. At last he
gave one long snap at the leash, which
broke. Nedjeh tumbled over in the
dust. but. recovering, dashed off at
a wild run.
Here, here, Nedjeh; come back" l
commanded, but his ears were sealed
At some distance in the field were
the painted models of a man. standing,
kneeling and lying down, which served
as targets for the men to shoot at. One
of these was painted in the hated
colors of the French uniform.
With furious growl, Nedjeh rushed
upon this latter, biting 1t and tearing
1t to pieces. The astonished soldier
laid down his gun, and the onlookers,
delighted with the spectacle. applaud
ed boisterously.
Bravo for the dog! Down with the
Frenchman! Go ahead, Fido; eat him
up" they cried.
l hastened to catch hold again of
the leash, but by the time I did so all
that remained of the unfortunate
model was a scattered pile of wooden
splinters, torn and bitten. Nedjeh had
satisfied his hatred, and, painting, he
awaited my approach with a triumph
ant air. And, although / was obliged
to pay for the destroyed target. could
not find any excuse for scolding my
dog. who had done nothing but what
he had been taught to consider his
duty.
Now comes the sad epilogue Of my
story, which heae dedicate to all my
readers who are fond of dogs. l should |
have wished to conclude in less
funeral strain, and portray Nedjeh as
the course of his exploits in |
real encounter win the enemy where
N he would be covered with glory. But,
alas, the poor animal died. though not |
upon the field of battle, yet none the
ess a victim. He was made to pay |
With his life for too complete obedi- |
snce to the lessons he had received.
He died during the nigha, poisoned by |