Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (4).pdf/2

 DUNCAN CAMPBELL. Duncan Campbell 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 bis father had supplied her place, by mar- rying his house keeper. Duncan did not trouble bin. self 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 bushey tail, Duncan would often lead him about the green, pleased with the idea that he was conducting a horse and eart. Oscar submitted to all this with great cheerfulness, but whenever Duncan mounted to ride on him, be found means instant to unhorse him, either by galloping, or relling himself on the green When Duncan threatened him, he looked submissive and licked his face and hands; when he corrected him with the ship, he cowered at his feet ;--matters were soon made up. Oscar would lodge nowwhere during the night, but at the floor of the room where his young friend slept, and woe be to the man or woman who ven- tured to enter in at untimely hours. When Duncan left bis native home, be thought no of bis father, nor any of the servants. He was fonso of the ride, and some supposed that he even scarcely thought of the black foal ; but when be saw Oscar standing locking him ruefully in the face, the trake immediately blinded both his eyes. He caught han around the neck, hugged and kissed him.-"G b'ye Oscar," said he blubbering ; “Good b'ye, Gul