A LASTING LESSON. ol

The liquor had been just poured into the plate, and
he was preparing to seize it, when I added, unseen,
a piece of lighted paper; the brandy blazed imme-
diately. Kees screamed and chattered, running
away as fast as possible; it was in vain I called and
endeavoured to coax him, for, being too angry to be
easily pacified, he left us and went to his bed. The
night was far advanced, and, after receiving the
thanks of my people, all retired to rest. I must
add, that fear had so completely taken possession
of poor Kees that I could never succeed in making
him forget what had happened, nor could I again
prevail upon him to taste his formerly favourite
liquor. Sometimes my men would tease him by
showing him the brandy bottle, which was always
enough to make him chatter and grind his teeth.”

Of this animal Le Vaillant tells many an amus-
ing story. He was very familiar and much attached
to his master, who made him his taster; fruits,
seeds, or roots, which Kees rejected, being infallibly
unwholesome. His extreme vigilance rendered him
an invaluable safeguard both day and night; the
approach of danger roused him in an instant, and,
before the dogs suspected the enemy was at hand,
this faithful guardian, by his cries and frightened
gestures, gave due warning. le Vaillant says, “I
often took him shooting with me. What gambols!
what expressions of delight as he leaned upon and