I rose early, and descended the ladder, a little uneasy about my kangaroo, and found I was but just in time to save it, for my dogs had so enjoyed their repast on the entrails, which I had given them the night before, that they wished to appropriate the rest.

They had succeeded in tearing off the head, which was in their reach, and were devouring it in a sort of growling partnership.

As we had no store-room for our provision, I decided to administer a little correction, as a warning to these gluttons.

I gave them some smart strokes with a cane, and they fled howling to the stable under the roots.

Their cries roused my wife, who came down; and, though she could not but allow the chastisement to be just and prudent, she was so moved by compassion, that she consoled the poor sufferers with some remains of last night's supper.
I now carefully stripped the kangaroo of his elegant skin, and washing myself, and changing my dress after this unpleasant operation, I joined my family at breakfast.