Now, under what circumstances this animal would learn to distinguish them is what I cannot explain; but, I repeat it, it very certainly knows them; and look, it pushes them with its paw, and seems to invite us to read them with it." In fact, they could not misunderstand Dingo's intention.
"Then was Samuel Vernon alone when he left the sea-coast of the Congo ?" ask Dick Sand.
"That I know not," replied Captain Hull.

"However, it is probable that he would take a native escort." At that moment Negoro, leaving his post, showed himself on the deck.

At first no one remarked his presence, and could not observe the singular look he cast on the dog when he perceived the two letters over which the animal seem to mount guard.

But Dingo, having perceived the master-cook, began to show signs of the most extreme fury.
Negoro returned immediately to the crew's quarters, not without a menacing gesture at the dog's skill having escaped him.
"There is some mystery there," murmured Captain Hull, who had lost none of this little scene.
"But, sir," said the novice, "is it not very astonishing that a dog should know the letters of the alphabet ?" "No!" cried little Jack.

"Mama has often told me the story of a dog which knew how to read and write, and even play dominoes, like a real schoolmaster!" "My dear child," replied Mrs.Weldon, smiling, "that dog, whose name was Munito, was not a savant, as you suppose.