A Strange Habit

Jack was a small fox terrier. He was very quick and clever. His young master taught him many tricks. Jack liked to please his master and learned quickly. But there was one thing Jack could not understand.

All dogs like to bury their food in the ground. Jack often buried a bone or a piece of dry bread. He never forgot where he put it. When he was hungry, he always knew where to find his food.

In the summer, when it was warm, Jack loved to gnaw a piece of ice. It made his mouth feel fresh and cool. He used to sit and watch for the iceman, who often left a small piece of ice for him.

Sometimes the piece that the iceman gave him was larger than usual. When Jack could not gnaw any more, what do you think he did? Yes, he really buried it. Later, when he dug in the spot he remembered, there was no ice there. Over and over again Jack did this. He seemed very puzzled when he could not find the ice.