I ought praps to mention that Spot used to get so close to the fire-place, that as often as not, I dropped a mossel of the hot grease on the dog; and if it touched a thin place in his coat, he would jump up howling.

Well, ma'am, I was pouring a pannikin full o' biling tallow into the mould, when poor old Spot he gives a sudden howl and yell, and runs to the door.

I paid no attention to him at the time, for I was so busy; but he went on leaping up and howling as if he had gone mad.

As soon as I could put down the pannikin out o' my hand, I went to the door meaning to open it and,--sorry am I to say it,--kick the poor beast out for making such a row about a drop o' hot grease.

But the dog turned his face round on me, and gave me a look as much as to say, 'Make haste, do; there's a good chap: I ought to be outside there.' And what with the sense shinin' in his eyes, and a curious kind o' sound outside, I takes down the bar (for the door wouldn't stay shut otherwise), and looks out.