Shadows of Death
THE boy on a small scale strives to realize the instincts of manhood, which develop fully in him later. Each of us strives to be a master of men. So boyhood works out this trait upon anything that will recognize its authority. Every boy is more or less of a tyrant. He feels impelled to exercise his power upon his inferiors, for how shall he know himself to be a master if none call him master?
Joey had two opportunities during his boyhood, to display his masterfulness.
Ever since he had seen Billy Eubel leading a large St. Bernard dog through a few tricks, Joey longed for a dog to trail at his heels, and wag its tail as evidence of subjection. When he had persuaded his mother to allow him to bring a puppy into the house, he felt that his opportunity had arrived to display his skill as a master of animals. The man who had given him the dog declared, modestly, that its mother was a water-spaniel ("there's a little bit of a setter in him too, I may tell you that"), but the dog developed into an ordinary cur, with scraggy hair and degenerate tendencies that were exasperating. But Joey was always loyal to first impressions: the dog was a water-spaniel, and if his boast to that effect did not convince, then the water-spaniel became a setter.
The dog was so cute when a puppy, that Joey named him Prince. He thought of this name because of its contradiction of the fact. As if to protest against the misnomer, Prince persistently refused to act up to his name. There never was a dog like him for turning tail, and running away with it between his legs, before the slightest danger. He never barked at an enemy,
except from a safe distance; but he was expert in the pursuit of children who evinced the least sign of fear; and there were few children who feared Prince.
He served Joey faithfully for a numberof years. He appreciated kindness in themost extravagant way. It seemed to Joeythat Prince was forever hungry and hehad many a quarrel with his mother, because of her refusal to feed Prince whenever he thought it was necessary. It wasJoey's custom to beg for scraps of meatfrom the butcher whenever he was sent tothe market. The butcher objected. Hesaid that he knew of the case of a dog whohad eaten raw meat and within two monthstime, that dog suffered from an attack ofhydrophobia. "Tain't right," said he, "tofeed young dogs with raw meat; they growup fierce." Joey agreed with this opinion,but believed that Prince would not sufferif he were a little fiercer.
The translation of Prince to the heaven of dogs occurred on an autumn evening.
The air was sultry and the dew was gathering about the streets lamps. Joey stood on the dirt-paved street, playing with Prince. He had removed his coat, and stood in his blouse, hat in hand, prepared to throw it for Prince to fetch. Aleck sauntered along and inquired :
"What's up to-night?"
"Kick the stick!"
"Aw, come, let's have some fun with Prince. Watch him."
Aleck snatched Joey's hat from his hand and tossed it in the air, far from him. Prince bounded for it furiously and was soon clawing it as if it were one of his dearest enemies who miraculously could not