“Why, you see, he always sat by the side of me on board the ship, and he thinks it’s funny he can’t do it now, I s’pose; but he’s a good, sensible dog, and won’t want to break over any rules after he gets a little used to it.”
“Why don’t you let him sit by your side now?”
“I was afraid it wouldn’t be right. Mrs. Clark said she’d have a good deal of trouble to break him of the habit after they got ashore.”
“Will he behave himself?” Keeper Downey asked.
“Fluff behave himself! Why, sir, he’s just as nice an’ polite at the table as any fellow you ever saw.”
“Give him a show, and let’s see what he’ll do.”
Benny pulled a chair by the side of the one in which he was sitting, and without waiting for further invitation the dog leaped into it, content at being by the side of his young master, and making no effort to get at the food before him.
The crew watched with interest what was to them very much like a performance gotten up for their especial benefit, and during all the time Benny remained at the table Fluff behaved himself with the greatest propriety.
When the boy had satisfied his hunger he poured a saucer one third full of coffee, broke into it a small portion of bread, and Fluff immediately got down from the chair, knowing that his meal was ready.
While the dog was eating Sam Hardy exclaimed, as if the proceedings filled him with surprise: