Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (3).pdf/3



D C came from the Highlands, when six years of age, to live with an old maiden aunt in Edinburgh, and attend the school. His mother was dead: but his father had supplied her place, by marrying his house-keeper. Duncan did not trouble himself about these matters, nor indeed about any other matters, save a black foal of his father’s, and a large sagacious colley, named Oscar, which belonged to one of the shepherds.—There being no other boy, save Duncan, about the house, Oscar and he were constant companions.—With his garter tied round Oscar’s neck, and a piece of deal tied to his big bushy tail, Duncan would often lead him about the green, pleased with the idea that he was conducting a horse and cart. Oscar submitted to all this with great cheerfulness, but whenever Duncan mounted to ride on him, he found means instantly to unhorse him, either by galloping or rolling himself on the green. When Duncan threatened him, he looked submissive and licked his face and hands; when he corrected him with the whip, he cowered at his feet. Oscar would lodge no placoplace [sic] during the night, but at the door of the room where his young friend slept, and woe be to the man or woman who ventured to enter in at untimely hours.

When Duncan left his native home, he thought not of his father nor any of the servants. He was