Alfred Selwyn.
OUR NEW DOG.
We have a new dog. His name is Bright. He is only two years old. His master one day took the cars near our place for California; and poor Bright was left behind.
I met him at the railroad-station. He seemed to be in great distress. I had some bread in my hand, and offered him a piece. He was too sad to eat. I patted him on the head, and said, "Poor doggie, have you lost your master?"
Bright howled as if he understood my question; and I believe he did. When I got home that day, I found that he had followed me. As I stood on the door-step, he fawned at my feet, and made a low, imploring noise, as if he would like to say, "Do be my master, and let me be your dog: I will be such a good dog!"
I understood what he wanted, and said, "Well, old fellow, you shall have your wish. I adopt you as my own dog."
Thereupon Bright wagged his tail, and barked, and put his fore-feet on my shoulders, and tried to lick my face. We understood each other now completely.
Bright seemed to understand that he must not only be good to me, but to all under my care. I had a little white kitten named Snow-drop. When she and Bright first met, she was so much afraid, that she leaped up on top of the bookcase to be out of his way.
