Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/165

 errand, Towzer must accompany him. Tom was a terrible truant, and played so many tricks upon Stuart, that he again and again threatened to discharge him. One day, out of all patience at his long absence, he posted off to his mother, in a rage, to dismiss him. The old woman, perceiving a tempest, began first, and told a pitiful story, how his dog had upset her mutton pie, broke the dish, greased the floor, and devoured the meat. "I am glad of it; you encourage the rascal to come here, and here I will send him." An idea struck Stuart, and he consented to keep Tom, on condition that she kept his visit a profound secret. When the boy returned, he found his master at his easel, and being roundly lectured, he told a story that had no relation to his mother, Towzer, or the pie. "Very well," said the painter, "bring in dinner, I shall know all about it by-and-by." Stuart sat down to his dinner, and Towzer took his accustomed place by his side, while Tom stood in attendance. "Well, Towzer, your mouth don't water for your share; where have you been?" and he put his ear to the dog's mouth, "I thought so, with Tom's mother, ha!" "Bow-wow." "And have you had your dinner?" "Bow." "I thought so; what have you been eating? Put your mouth nearer, sir. Mutton-pie; very pretty. So you and Tom have eaten Mrs. Jenkins' mutton-pie, have you?" "Bow-wow." "He lies, sir," exclaimed Tom, in amazement, "I did'nt touch it; he broke mother's dish,