Young Folks.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 2, 8 April 1893, Page 4

Young Folks.

“ ROUGH,” THE LOST COLLIE

Last year a clergyman of Norfolk missed his pet dog, and there was much grief in the family, for “ Rough,” the lost collie, was a favourite with the grown folks as well as with the children. Some nine months later the clergyman, happening to go to Castle Hill, where the drovers were, saw “ Rough,” and joyously laid claim to him; hut Rough’s ” new master, a drover, refused to give him up, and there was a dispute. Of course, the drovers were in sympathy with their fellow, and the clergyman found the odds against him. The drover said that he had owned “ Rough ” for . years, the minister held to it that “ Rough ” was the very “ Rough ”he had raised. Two policeman came running up, and the case was stated.

“ But can you prove ownership P” asked one of the officers. Tha/t put the minister in mind of something. He thrust his hand into his pocket, pulled out a penny, and gave it to the dog with the command, “ ‘ Rough,’ fetch a loaf.”

“ Rough,” with the penny in his mouth, went to the nearest bakery, made it clear that he wanted some bread, and soon came trotting hack to the crowd. 'The clergyman broke off a morsel, gave it to “ Rough,” and stood by while the dog munched it. Suddenly the clergyman exclaimed, “ ‘ Rough,’ I believe that bread is poisoned ! ” Out the dog spat the piece of bread, and the crowd cried “ Bravo !” There was no longer any doubt as to the true ownership, and, to the shame of the drover, the dog trotted off at the minister’s heels. —Selected.