The dog replied by a blinking of his eyes, and by passing his tongue over his black snout, to this kind inquiry concerning his state of personal comfort. "_Mira! que entendido!_" cried the gratified soldier; "he understands every word. Come, gitano--have you nearly done? The poor dog's weary of lying on his back." The last trimming was given to the patient, and the liberated animal jumped up and raced round the circle, as if anxious to show his friends how greatly he was improved by the process he had undergone. His face and the hinder half of his body were closely clipped, his shoulders and forelegs remaining covered with a fell of woolly hair; whilst at the end of his tail, the cunning artist had left, by express desire of the soldiers, a large tuft, not unlike a miniature mop, which Granuka brandished in triumph above his clean-shaven flanks. "_Que hermoso!_" screamed one of the delighted soldiers, catching Granuka in his arms, kissing his muzzle, and then pitching him down with a violence that would have broken the bones of any but a regimental dog. "Attention, Granuka!" cried another of the quadruped's numerous masters, dropping on his knees before the dog, and uplifting his finger to give force to the command. At the word, Granuka bounced down upon his hinder end, and assumed an aspect of profound gravity. "A _viva_ for the _nina_ Isabel," said his instructor. Granuka stretched out his paws before him, laid his nose upon them, and winked with his eyes as if he were composing himself to sleep. "Won't you?" said the soldier. "Well, then, a _viva_ for the _puta_ Christina." This time the eyes were closed entirely, and the animal gave a dissatisfied growl. "A _viva_ for the king!" was the next command. The dog jumped briskly up, gave a little spring into the air, and uttered three short, quick barks, which were echoed by shouts of laughter from the soldiers. Having done this, he again sat down, grave and composed. "Once more," said his instructor, "and a good one, Granuka. _Viva el Tio Zumalacarregui!_"