“Several made the same remark,” replied Trimbush, “and some, who were rather prone to indulge in kicking up a row for nothing, made serious resolutions to avoid doing so for the future, when the fate of the babbler was witnessed.”

“It was necessary, I suppose, for the discipline of the pack?” rejoined I.

“Ay,” added the old hound, “if it were not for strict discipline we should be as ungovernable, wild, and useless as a lot of untamed tigers. Indeed,” continued he, “I’m not certain that the tigers couldn’t be turned to greater advantage.”


CHAPTER IX.

“Cold grew the foggy morn: the day was brief:

Loose on the cherry hung the crimson leaf:

The dew dwelt ever on the herb, the woods

Roared with strong blasts, with mighty showers the floods.