THE JUDGE’S STORY
When the other dogs had finished with their stories, and the Judge was satisfied that they had done their best, he thanked them, and said he would now tell them some stories. First he would go back to his own family history, of which Bob was not able to tell a great deal, as he was young and not expected to take much interest in such things.
“The Airedales are a very old and famous family of dogs,” proceeded the Judge. “The name is romantic, having originated from a river in Yorkshire, England, the River Aire. It is something to be proud of, to have a name suggested by a river; and then, to have a dale, which means a valley, attached to it. I close my eyes,” said the Judge, “and imagine I can see that beautiful green valley, with the river winding through it, and my ancestors living so peacefully there, enjoying a free and easy life, chasing rabbits and rascally badgers, with which the hills are infested.
“It is said of the Airedales that they were good swimmers, and how they must have enjoyed a plunge in the River Aire on a warm day. They were trusty, too. Baby could be left in their care with safety. So many good qualities are seldom found in just one breed of dogs.
“While they were not noted for their beauty, nor for the sweetness of their voices, their many other good traits make amends for that. Beauty, after all, is only skin deep, and if there are no virtues below the surface to give it luster, it is not even skin deep. Whatever beauty the Airedale dog can lay claim to, is brought out by his inborn cleverness. Good deeds and good behavior have resulted in making a really homely dog into a world-wide favorite.”
While the Judge was making this modest claim for his clan, little Pixie hung her head and blushed with embarrassment to think that she had ever been ashamed to play with Bob, because of his personal appearance. She then and there resolved to be more courteous to both Bob and his father, of whom she was becoming very fond, thinking him a wise judge and a good counsellor for all dogs.
The Judge went on to say that it was recorded that one of his ancestors had won the first prize at a great dog show. The people of the country where this happened acclaimed him “King of the ring and King of the country.” Because of the fine qualities of the Airedales, he added, one of their number once became a member of the animal family at the White House, and was a favorite of the President of the United States and his lovely wife.
“Were medals to be issued to dogs for bravery in saving lives, the Airedale family would have many souvenirs to hand down to their children. A noted musician tells of his dog, Buster, having saved his wife’s life not only once, but five times.
“The almost human instinct of this tribe was manifested when one city was holding its election. One of the amendments to be voted on was the curtailing of the liberty of all dogs. To run at large, they must be muzzled, or they must be leashed when on the streets. Of course, all dog lovers were opposed to this measure. The dogs themselves, having heard so much discussion on the subject, seemed to sense that something was going to be done which concerned them.
“Such remarks as these were addressed to one Airedale, whose name was Jerry:
“‘Jerry, old pal, they are talking of interfering with your personal liberty, and not allowing you the run of the town, without a string tied to you. Now you must not think we are going to stand for any nonsense such as that. We will go down to the polls, Mother and all of us, and we’ll put this thing over strong, and show those dog haters a thing or two.’
“Jerry would look interested and try to wag his stiff tail, as much as to say he would like to do his bit to help. He had no vote, although there were some who had, who in his opinion were not deserving of it. One man he knew of hated dogs, and when he had something in him—Jerry did not know what—he was abusive to his dog—and also to the little boy who loved the dog. Yet that man was one of those who wanted all the dogs killed or tied up, and would vote for that cruel measure.
“Jerry slept over the matter, and when morning came, bright and early, he was at the polls. Taking up a position under the table where the workers were, he lay down, to see that everything was properly carried through. There he stayed until it was almost certain the dogs were going to win, when he left, satisfied that he was no longer needed.”
The Judge told the dogs they were all very fortunate to be living in this wonderful country, “where we are loved and well cared for, as there are many places where dogs are despised and mistreated, and even left to run wild, becoming scavengers, just because they are half starved. They fight and quarrel among themselves, and make the nights hideous with their howling. To be unloved and have no friends would be cause enough for howling.
“Then there are the Eskimo dogs. They too have a hard life, as they have to draw the sledges and do the work that horses and automobiles perform in this country. They are harnessed together with leather straps made from reindeer skin. There is also a long whip, made of thongs of the same leather, the lash of which is chewed by the women to make it pliable. Then it is braided to make the handle. This is lashed over the dogs’ backs to make them draw harder and go faster.”
“How terrible!” barked all of the dogs, shrugging their shoulders in pity.
“Probably their masters love these dogs, but this seems a strange way to show it. The people of that country are dependent on these faithful dogs, as they are the only means of transportation. They have no horses, no automobiles, and no airships—nothing but their dogs, so their very existence depends on these brave animals. We, with our loving masters and mistresses, can scarcely realize how differently these other dogs have to live. And how much they must miss being loved as we are!”
So much sympathy was expressed for the other kind of dog life that the Judge felt gratified to see that these getting-together parties the dogs were having were creating a good effect.
Even little Ruby, who seldom thought of anyone but herself, unless it was to envy some one, was becoming less selfish. “Oh, the poor things!” she exclaimed, licking her white forepaws while she was saying it. She gave those paws particular attention, and the habit was so strong with her that, perhaps, it didn’t lessen her sincerity.
The Judge told them he thought that, as not many of them ever had a chance to travel, he would tell them a story about one dog who was a great traveler, and also a very clever fellow. This dog was a setter and his name was Jack.