“You didn’t know I had a dog—did you?” asked Charlie.
“Yes,” replied John; “Sailor.”
“No; one as big as three of him.”
Charlie had been so much occupied with the boys, that he had forgotten all about the pig, and had not seen him for almost a week. But the pig was not at all concerned about the matter, as the woods were full of acorns and beech-nuts, and he was enjoying himself very much to his own satisfaction.
Charlie now went to the edge of the woods, and called, “Rover! Rover!” when down came the pig from the woods, and, jumping upon Charlie, put his fore feet in his lap, and rubbing his nose against him, seemed full as glad to see him as Tige ever was to see John. Charlie then put some acorns in his pocket, and the pig took them out with his nose; then he held up a stick, and told him to jump, and over it he jumped.
“Now, Rover,” said he, pointing to the beach, “go get a clam.”
In a moment he ran to the beach, rooted up a clam with his nose, and brought it to his master. The boys were full of amazement to see a pig do such things.
“Will he bring birds ashore?” asked John.
“No; he won’t go near the water, except a mud puddle; he’s afraid of the water. A hog can’t swim much more than a hen; but I tell you what he will do, he’ll haul the baby in a cart.”
Charlie had made a cart, with arms to it, for the baby, and a harness of canvas for Rover; so he harnessed up the pig, who drew the baby all along the green between the house and the water.