A THIEF came in the night to break into a house. He brought with

　　him several slices of meat in order to pacify1 the Housedog, so

　　that he would not alarm his master by barking. As the Thief

　　threw him the pieces of meat, the Dog said, "If you think to stop

　　my mouth, you will be greatly mistaken. This sudden kindness at

　　your hands will only make me more watchful2, lest under these

　　unexpected favors to myself, you have some private ends to

　　accomplish for your own benefit, and for my master's injury."