The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-05-05
An Alpine Guide

,By Eua 1Gills anderson.

Chaudron, to the Chaudron, to the
Chaudron!"
She repeated these words three
times, speaking them very slowly and
distinctly, and during that time |, in
my turn, examined Noiraud with at
tention. He replied to the words of
his mistress by little movement of
the head which became more and more
decided, and at the end he showed a
little impatience and bad humor He
seemed to be thinking. "Yes, yes, to
the Chaudron. have known that.
The gentleman has the sugar. | under
stand do you think have no sense?"
Without waiting for the third TO
the Chaudron," of Madame Simon to
be finished, Noirad, evidently offended
turned him around, placed himself op-
posite me, showing me the door, say
ing as plainly as 1t is permitted dog
to say Il am ready, come along"
followed him obediently Thus we
went through the village, he before,
behind. The children who were play
ing in the streets recognized my guide.
"Hullo, Noiraud, how do you do?
Noiraud!"
They wished to play with the dog.
He turned his head with an air of
disdain, the air of dog who has no
time to amuse himself, the air of a dog
who has a duty to perform and who
intends to earn thirty sous. And the
children cried out, Let him alone.
He ise conducting the gentleman to the
Chaudron. Pleasant journey, sir"
All smilingly repeated it, pleasant
journey, sir"
| smiled but awkwardly, | am sure.
| felt embarrassed and little humil-
lated. | was, in manner, dominated
by this animal. He was, for the mo-
ment my master. He knew where he
was going, did not know. | FASTENED
to get out of the village and to be
alone with Noiraud amidst the beauties
of nature that it was his mission to
make me admire.
These beauties of nature were at
the beginning frightful road, dusty
and hot under a sun at its zenith. The
dog went with a quick step and it
wearied me to follow him. | tried to
moderate his pace.
"Noiraud, come; Noiraud, my boy,
not so quickly"
Noiraud turned a deaf ear to me
and held on to his steady gait without
seeming to hear me. He was seized
by an attack Of anger, when | wished
to seat myself at the corner of a field
where a single tree gave scanty
shade. He barked in a fretful voice
and threw irritated glances at me-
Evidently | was acting contrary TO
rule. 1t was not the custom to step
there. His protestations were so sharp
and excited that got up and resumed
my Journey. Noiraud Gained himself
Immediately and began to trot gaily
before me. l had comprehended. He
was content.
Some moments after We entered up
on a beautiful road, all flowers, all
shade, all perfume, all full of the
freshness and murmur Of streams, MOI
raud Immediately slipped under the
trees, took up gallop, and disap-
peared in little footpath. | followed
him, hesitating a little. l had not
taken a hundred steps when l found
Noiraud awaiting me, his head high
and his eyes shining, in a sort of hall
of verdure enlivened by the sound Of
a pretty little waterfall. There was
in this hall an old rustic seat, and the
glance of Noiraud turned with i'm
patience from my eyes to the seat and
from the seat to my eyes. began to
comprehend the language of Noiraud.
Good" he seemed to say to me,
"see, here is place to rest. 1t is fine;
it is cool. You were foolish, you
wished to stop in the burning sun
Come on now, seat yourself, permit
NJ"
| stopped. | seated myself. I
lighted a cigar. l even made a move
ment to offer one to Noiraud. Per-
haps he smoked. But | thought he
would prefer morsel of sugar. He
caught it very adroitly in its fight, ate
it with evident relish, and then lay
down and snoozed little at my feet.
He was evidently accustomed to make
brief halt and to take little nap
in this place.
He slept scarcely dozen minutes.
/ was, for my part, perfectly tranquil.
Noiraud had inspired in me an abso-
lutte confidence. was resolved to obey
him unreservedly. He reused himself,
stretched, and cast at me sidelong
glance which signified Come on, my
friend, come on
Behold us! like two old friends
sauntering under the trees. Noiraud
enjoyed the charm, the silence, the
sweetness of the place. Upon the road,
having hastened to escape the heat
and dust, he had travelled at rapid
pace. He marched in order to arrive.
But now, refreshed, Noiraud loitered
for the pleasure of the walk upon one
of the prettiest byroads of the canton
of Vaud.
A path to the left presents itself.
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