Page 8 - Too Smart Dog

“Well, what did the dog say?” demanded the lord. “My dog said that while he was pulling the butler over to you, he caught the distinctive odor of sherry and you might want to check your liquor cabinet.” The lord looked at the butler who appeared obviously uncomfortable.
“In addition,” said the Peddler, “the dog said that the lipstick smudge on the collar of the butler’s uniform would indicate that he has been doing more than just his usual duties this morning.” With that remark, the butler who had been becoming increasingly pale, fainted dead away.
“This is truly impressive!” exclaimed the lord. “Either this is the smartest dog in the world or you are world’s greatest trickster. Judging from how you are dressed and how you live, I must assume it is the dog.”
“And,” the lord said with great urgency in his voice, “I must have this dog, how much do you want for him?” “Oh but he is not for sale,” replied the Peddler. “Of course he is,” said the lord. “I know your game; we will haggle over the price.”
“But truly, the dog is not for sale,” said the Peddler. Well, this only peaked the lord’s interest. He began offering sums of money which got so high that his staff, who were standing around, began to roll their eyes that so much money even existed, much less would be spent on a dog.
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