A DOG STORY FROM AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1293, 10 December 1896, Page 28

A DOG STORY FROM AUSTRALIA.

Some three years ago (writes a correspondent) I was "having a spell" in Brisbane, after a lengthened sojourn on a sheep station in the interior of Queensland. During my stay in the city I had the good fortune to gain the friendship of a gentleman who owned a magnificent collie. My friend, his dog Sweep, and myself wero frequently together, engaged either in yachting among the islands of Moreton Bay, or 'possum hunting under the towering eucalypti which fringe the banks of the river Brisbane. Naturally Sweep, who was a most lovable animal, and my self soon began to entertain a warm friendship for one another, which friendship gave rise to the anecdote I am about to relate. Returning to my hotel about midnight from the house of a friend, I was not a little startled at finding my hand suddenly seized from behind by a dog, which, however, I at once recognised as my handsome acquaintance, Sweep. I patted him, at the same time endeavouring to withdraw the hand which he held firmly, but gently, between his teeth. It was of no U3e, as, in spito of all rny en- I dearments, he insisted on retaining his hold, wriggling along by my side, and vigorously wagging his tail, as though he would say, " Don't be afraid; it's all right." We soon reached a point in the main street down which we were walking, : where a side avenue branched off towards the river. My way lay right ahead. Sweep, however, insisted on my taking . the road which lay at a right-angle to my course. I felt some annoyance at his persistence, as I was both tired and sleepy ; but, having no choice in the matter, I followed his lead. Having walked some two or three hundred yards down the street, he released Ins hold, dancing round me, then running on for a few yards and looking back to see if I were following. Becoming interested, I determined to see what he was after, so, without further resistance, I followed submissively. At last, having reached the river, which at was about four hundred yards wide, he, with many joyous barks, ran down the ferry steps, arid jumped into the empty boat of the ferryman. At last I was able to guess at his motive for forcing me to follow him. His master, who lived across the river, had accidentally lost sight of his dog returning from his office in the city, and Sweep appeared to understand perfectly that unless the boatman received his fare he (Sweep) would not be carried over, my friend frequently sending the dog over by himself when wishing _ to attend concerts, etc., invariably paying the fare of an ordinary possenger. The ferryman, who at once recognised my canine friend, laughed heartily when I told him how I had been served, took my penny, and set off at once for " Kangaroo Point," Sweep gaily barking " good-night" until he reached the opposite bank. _ I heard subsequently that ho used to swim ! the river when left behind ; but having 1 had two narrow escapes from sharks, his ' nerves had become somewhat shaken SO

far as water was concerned. —From " Dog Stories," published by Mr T. Fisher Unwin.