nd that the animal had set off at full speed. The carrier
expressed much anxiety for the safety of the young woman, casting at the
same time an expressive look at his dog. Oscar observed his master's eye,
and aware of its meaning, instantly set off in pursuit of the pony, which
coming up with soon after, he made a sudden spring, seized the bridle, and
held the animal fast. Several people having observed the circumstance, and
the perilous situation of the girl, came to relieve her. Oscar, however,
notwithstanding their repeated endeavours, would not quit his hold, and
the pony was actually led into the stable with the dog, till such time as
the carrier should arrive. Upon the carrier entering the stable, Oscar
wagged his tail in token of satisfaction, and immediately relinquished the
bridle to his master.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXXVI.

Humane Society.

A large colony of rooks had resided many years in a grove on the banks of
a river. One serene evening the idle members amused themselves with
chasing each other through endless mazes, and in their flight they made
the air sound with an infinitude of discordant noises. In the midst of
these playful exertions it unfortunately happened that one rook, by a
sudden turn, struck his beak against the wing of another. The sufferer
instantly fell into the river. A general cry of distress ensued. The birds
hovered with every expression of anxiety over their distressed companion.

Animated by their sympathy, and perhaps by the language of counsel known
to themselves, he sprang into the air, and by one strong effort reached
the point of a rock that projected into the river. The joy became loud and
universal; but, alas! it was soon changed into notes of lamentation, for
the poor wounded bird, in attempting to fly towards his nest, dropped
again into the river and was drowned, amid the moans of his whole
fraternity.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXXVII.

Fox Chasing.

During a fox hunt, Reynard, being hard pressed, was reduced to the
necessity of taking refuge up a chimney of a hothouse. He was followed by
one of the hounds, who, passing through a flue upwards of fifty feet in
length, came out at the top of the chimney, but missed Reynard in its
murky recess. By this time a number of people were collected at the top of
the chimney, who let down a terrier, who soon made him come in view,
holding fast by his brush.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXXVIII.