A Wonderful Dog.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue I, 2 January 1904, Page 56

A Wonderful Dog.

JOHN RYI.EY ROBINSON. Whilst we wen* dining at the Restaurant, A solemn looking man walked in and sat Close to the window, followed by a dog As solemn looking as himself, which sprang Into a chair and squatted, with its head Held in a serious, almost human way. The waiter stared at both; the stranger said. ‘•Shew me the bill of fare.” Ho glanced it through. ‘•Give me some “ox-tail soup.” “Give me the same,” The dog said slowly, and the waiter stood Scarce crediting his hearing; when the man Continued, “And a cup of coffee—strong. With Jots of cream, “Give me sani?,'* the dog Said, slowly as before. The waiter turned And fled into the kitchen, shuddering Ar such an unexpected spectacle. A keen, shrewd man was seated near and heard The double orders of the man and dog. Putting his paper down, he turned and said, “It must have been a heavy piece of work To train your dog to speak like that.” “It was,” The man replied. “I think so, too.” the dog Chimed in. Still more and more amazed the man Inquired its price. “That dog is not for sale, T could not bear to part with it at all.” “You’d better not,” the dog exclaimed, in deep And solemn voice. “I’ll give you twenty pounds.” He shook his head; thirty was offered; still The man declined to part with it. At last, When fifty pounds were offered, with a sigh The owner said. “I hate to part with him, But. as you seem to fancy him so much Departed with his bargain; but the dog Said. “He’ll be sorry for it, never mind, I’ll pay him off. I’ll never speak again.” The money was paid down: the purchaser. Who was the owner of a travelling show, I can’t refuse your offer.” Then the dog Kept to his word, and never spoke again. Whilst his late master, counting up the coir. Chuckled in secret to hirr*s *tf. for he Was a professional ventriloquist.