Last summer my duties led me to George's Island. I take it for granted you know it. It is a small island situated in the centre of the harbor of Halifax, has a powerful battery on it, and barracks for the accommodation of troops. There was a company of my regiment stationed there at the time. I took this dog [the Newfoundland "Thunder," whom he has been discussing] and a small terrier, called Tilt, in the boat with me. The latter was a very active little fellow that the General had given me a few weeks before. He was such an amusing creature, that he soon became a universal favorite, and was suffered to come into the house, (a privilege which was never granted to this gentleman, who paid no regard to the appearance of his coat, which was often wet and dirty,) and who was therefore excluded.
The consequence was, Thunder was jealous, and would not associate with him, and if ever he took any liberty, he turned on him and punished him severely. This, however, he never presumed to do in my presence, as he knew I would not suffer it, and, therefore, when they both accompanied me in my walks, the big dog contented himself with treating the other with perfect indifference and contempt. Upon this occasion, Thunder lay down in the boat, and composed himself to sleep, while the little fellow, who was full of life and animation, and appeared as if he did not know what it was to close his eyes, sat up, looked over the gunwale, and seemed to enjoy the thing uncommonly. He watched the motions of the men, as if he understood what was required of them, and was anxious they should acquit themselves properly.
"He knew," said I, "it was what sailors call the dog-watch."
"Very good," said he, but looking all the time as if he thought the interruption very bad.
After having made my inspection, I returned to the boat, for the purpose of recrossing to the town, when I missed the terrier. Thunder was close at my heels, and when I whistled for the other, wagged his tail and looked up in my face, as if he would say, "never mind that foolish dog, I am here, and that is enough, or is there anything you want me to do?"
After calling in vain, I went back to the barracks, and inquired of the men for Tilt, but no one appeared to have seen him, or noticed his motions.
After perambulating the little island in vain, I happened to ask the sentry if he knew where he was. "Yes, sir," said he, "he is buried in the beach."
"Buried in the beach," said I, with great anger, "who dared to kill him? Tell me, Sir, immediately."
"That large dog did it, Sir. He enticed him down to the shore, by playing with him, pretending to crouch, and then run after him; and then retreating, and coaxing him to chase him; and when he got him near the beach, he throttled him in an instant, and then scratched a hole in the shingle and buried him, covering him up with the gravel. After that, he went into the water, and with his paws washed his head and face, shook himself, and went up to the barracks. You will find the terrier just down there, Sir."
And sure enough there was the poor little fellow, quite dead, and yet warm.
In the meantime, Thunder, who had watched our proceedings from a distance, as soon as he saw the body exhumed, felt as if there was a court-martial holding over himself, plunged into the harbor, and swam across to the town, and hid himself for several days, until he thought the affair had blown over; and then ap- proached . me anxiously and cautiously, lest he should be appre- hended and condemned. As I was unwilling to lose both of my dogs, I was obliged to overlook it, and take him back to my confidence. (44 - 45)