Possible Clues:

• Odd way for the brute to get ten with you and me
• Strange or inquisitive
• Odd copper in front of us touring port
• Keen to learn, mutt lives around Oxford University
• Scoundrel promises to pay -- that's odd
• Nosy
• First rogue, perhaps roguish, occasionally swiped rum
• Questioning scoundrel, having evidence of debts
• Keen to find out
• Funny dog is out endlessly barking