which soon
brought him to the house, where he scratched with great violence at
the door for immediate admittance. This obtained, the parents were in
the utmost alarm and consternation at his appearance, especially when
they had examined the handkerchief and its contents. Instantly
concluding that some accident had befallen their son, they did not
delay a moment to go in search of him. The dog, apparently conscious
that the principal part of his duty was yet to be performed, anxiously
led the way, and conducted the agitated parents to the spot where
their son lay overwhelmed with pain, increased by the awful
uncertainty of his situation. Happily he was removed just at the close
of day; and the necessary assistance being procured, he soon
recovered. He was never more pleasingly engaged than when reciting the
sagacity and affection of his faithful follower, who then became his
constant companion.

Mr. Hawkes, farmer of Halling, returning much intoxicated from
Maidstone market, with his dog, when the whole face of the country was
covered with snow, mistook his path, and passed over a ditch on his
right-hand towards the river; fortunately he was unable to get up the
bank, or he must have fallen into the Medway, at nearly high water.
Overcome with the liquor, Hawkes fell amongst the snow, in one of the
coldest nights ever remembered: turning on his back, he was soon
asleep; his dog scratched the snow about him, and then mounted upon
the body, rolled himself round, and laid him on his master's bosom,
for which his shaggy hide proved a seasonable covering. In this state,
with snow falling all the time, the farmer and his dog lay the whole
of the night; in the morning, a Mr. Finch, who was out with his gun,
perceiving an uncommon appearance, proceeded towards it; at his
approach, the dog got off the body, shook the snow from him, and by
significant actions encouraged Mr. Finch to advance. Upon wiping the
snow from the face, the person was immediately recognised, and was
conveyed to the first house, when a pulsation in the heart being
evident, the necessary means to recover him were employed, and in a
short time Hawkes was able to relate his own story. In gratitude for
his faithful friend, a silver collar was made for his wearing, and
thus inscribed:--

"In man, true friendship I long strove to find, but missed my aim;
At length I found it in my dog most kind; man! blush for shame."

The following tale is copied from