“It is hard for thee to learn the lesson of patience so young; but it will do thee good, my boy,” said he, patting Pollio’s head with a smile.
“Is Dr. Field any ’lation to you, Mr. Littlefield?” asked Pollio anxiously; and was very glad to learn he was not. Pollio loved Mr. Littlefield dearly; but he would never love the doctor on account of his dreadful jokes.
While Mr. Littlefield was at the house, something happened to Beppo which I must tell you about.
Now, Beppo was not only a pleasant playfellow for the children, he was also a dog of very fine character. But he had one fault: he would bark in the night whenever the least noise roused him, and bark so furiously, too, that he waked everybody in the house. For this reason it was thought best that he should sleep in the stable; but even there he sometimes made such a noise as to disturb the family.
The children had often heard their father say he meant to punish Beppo for this; but they did not believe he would ever do it, for he was as gentle-hearted as a woman, and extremely fond of the good dog.
But, on the very night when the Quaker was visiting them, the judge and his wife were wakened by the terrific barking of Beppo. It kept on and on, louder and louder, till the judge grew very nervous.
“Why haven’t I whipped that dog long ago?” said he.
“I think you ought to have done it,” replied his wife. “He is a dear old fellow, but it is our duty to cure him of his faults.”