‘I don’t think I see the big yellow beast to-day,’ said Dr. Viggo Hansen in his querulous tone.

’Unfortunately not.  Trofast is not here to-day.  Poor fellow!  I have been obliged to request him to do me a disagreeable service.’

The merchant always talked about Trofast as if he were an esteemed business friend.

‘You make me quite curious.  Where is the dear animal?’

’Ah, my dear madam, it is indeed a tiresome story.  For, you know, there has been stealing going on out at our coal warehouse at Kristianshavn.’

‘Oh, good gracious!  Stealing?’

’The thefts have evidently been practised systematically for a long time.’

‘Have you noticed the stock getting less, then?’

But now the merchant had to laugh, which he seldom did.

’No, no, my dear doctor, excuse my laughing, but you are really too naive.  Why, there are now about ten thousand tons of coal out there, so you will see that it wants some—­’

’They would have to steal from evening till morning with a pair of horses,’ interjected a young business man, who was witty.

When the merchant had finished his laugh, he continued: 

’No; the theft was discovered by means of a little snow that fell yesterday.’

‘What!  Snow yesterday?  I don’t know anything about that.’

’It was not at the time of day when we are awake, madam, it is true; but yet, very early yesterday morning there fell a little snow, and when my folks arrived at the coal store, they discovered the footprints of the thief or thieves.  It was then found that a couple of boards in the wall were loose, but they had been so skilfully put in place that nobody would ever notice anything wrong.  And the thief crawls through the opening night after night; is it not outrageous?’

‘But don’t you keep a watch-dog?’

’Certainly I do; but he is a young animal (of excellent breed, by the way, half a bloodhound), and, whatever way these wretches go about their work, it is evident that they must be on friendly terms with the beast, for the dog’s footprints were found among those of the thieves.’

’That was indeed remarkable.  And now Trofast is to try what he can do, I presume?’

’Yes, you are quite right.  I have sent Trofast out there to-day; he will catch the villains for me.’

‘Could you not nail the loose boards securely in position?’

’Of course we could, Dr. Hansen; but I must get hold of the fellows.  They shall have their well-merited punishment.  My sense of right is most deeply wounded.’

‘It is really delightful to have such a faithful animal.’

’Yes, isn’t it, madam?  We men must confess to our shame that in many respects we are far behind the dumb animals.’

’Yes, Trofast is really a pearl, sir.  He is, beyond comparison, the prettiest dog in all—­’

‘Constantinople,’ interrupted Dr. Hansen.