10 THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS'S CLOAK.

THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS’S
CLOAK.

THERE are many instances of dogs showing attention to their
owners’ interests. Mr. Jesse mentions one which shows a
wonderful power of reasoning in a dog.

A sheep-dog used to follow the farm-servants about the
farm, but ran home to be fed at the dinner-hour of his
mistress, returning afterwards to his duty in the fields.
One day, as he came near the house, he met a young woman,
whom he had never before seen, leaving it wearing his
mistress’s cloak, which had in reality been lent to her.
Hungry. as he was, he turned about and followed closely at
her heels, greatly to her alarm. Hurrying on, the dog still
kept close to her, till she reached the house in which the .
brother of the dog’s mistress lived, whom he knew very well.
On seeing the young woman enter it, the faithful animal
turned, and went quietly back to the farm. It was plain
that, from seeing her go into a house which he knew, he was
satisfied that she was a friend of the family. Had she gone
to a strange place, he would most likely have tried to take
the cloak from her. .

Follow what you believe to be right, like the faithful
sheep-dog ; and though the end may not answer your hopes,
do not lose heart. Go on acting rightly; the reward will
come,