Amidst all the unexpected happenings of today’s walk I have completely forgotten about smoking. Now I am reminded of it and I take a cigarette out of my pocket and light it. At the same moment my desire to enter the house and have a look becomes quite irresistible. I think carefully for a moments and make up my mind. Yes, I shall go in. Even if the owner happens to be out. In case he comes back and finds me, I’ll explain my reason to him honestly. Since he is leading such a peculiar existence in any case, I am sure he won’t object to my uninvited visit. He may even welcome me. The paint-box, which I have taken along on my walks and which has begun to be rather a nuisance, will now turn out to be useful, since it will prove that I am not a thief. No, nothing will stop me: I’m going into this house. Once again I climb the steps to the entrance. As a final precaution I call out, “Is anyone there?” No answer. Quietly I open the door. It is unlocked.
As soon as I have walked in, I draw back a few steps. For there, lying in the sun under the window, is a coal-black Spanish dog; the dog, who has been dozing with his chin touching the floor and his body curled in a ball, opens his eyes in a sly, furtive manner when he hears me and sluggishly stands up.
At this, Frate starts growling and walks up to the black dog. For a time they both growl at each other. But the Spanish dog seems to have a peculiarly gentle disposition: after the two dogs have sniffed carefully at each other, it is he who starts wagging his tail. My dog joins in and soon they are both wagging busily. Then the Spanish dog lies down in the same place as before. Frate lies down directly beside him. Strange indeed to see such a friendly attitude between two dogs of the same sex who have only just met each other! Of course Frate has a very amiable nature, but the Spanish dog deserves the main praise for his amazing magnanimity in welcoming a stranger. I feel reassured and walk into the room.
This Spanish dog is unusually large for the breed. He has the characteristically thick, tufty tail and when he winds it
