Basil disliked parting with his hound, that for many years had been a great favourite, and the dog was endeared to all from late circumstances.

His conduct at the time when Francois was lost--his usefulness as a sentinel at many a lonely camp-fire--and his valuable services rendered upon other occasions, had fixed him firmly in the affections of his young masters; and they would have endured hunger to the utmost extremity rather than sacrifice him.

Jeanette, on the other hand, was but a mule--a selfish, wicked, kicking mule.

This was true; but to them she had been a useful animal, and would not have kicked any one of them, although she would have kicked all the world besides.

Still the feeling with which Jeanette was regarded was more a feeling of gratitude than of love.