Crusoe's first lesson was an interesting but not a very successful
one. We may remark here that Dick Varley had presented Fan to his
mother to be her watch-dog, resolving to devote all his powers to the
training of the pup. We may also remark, in reference to Crusoe's
appearance (and we did not remark it sooner, chiefly because up to
this period in his eventful history he was little better than a ball
of fat and hair), that his coat was mingled jet-black and pure white,
and remarkably glossy, curly, and thick.
A week after the shooting-match Crusoe's education began. Having fed
him for that period with his own hand, in order to gain his affection,
Dick took him out one sunny forenoon to the margin of the lake to give
him his first lesson.
And here again we must pause to remark that, although a dog's heart is
generally gained in the first instance through his mouth, yet, after
it is thoroughly gained, his affection is noble and disinterested. He
can scarcely be driven from his master's side by blows; and even when
thus harshly repelled, is always ready, on the shortest notice and
with the slightest encouragement, to make it up again.
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