The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-09-23


h;s hand. laid it down by his side under
hedge. and, on remounting forgot it. The
Dog perceived his lapse OF recollection, and
wishing to rectify it. ran to fetch the bag, |
but it was too heavy for him to drag along.
He then ran to his master, and, by crying,
barking. and bowling, endeavoured to re-
mind him of his mistake. The merchant
understood not his language but the assidu-
Gus creature persevered in his efforts, and,
after irving to stop the horse, at last began
to bite his heels.
The merchant absorbed in some reverie,
wholly overlooked the real object OF his at
fcctionatc attendants importantly, but wax
cd to the alarming apprehension that he was
gone mad. Full Of this suspison, in crossing
a brook, he turned back to look ii the Dog
would drink-The poor animal was too in
tent on its masters business to think OF itself;
it continued to bark and bite with greater
violence than before.
| Mercv!'' cried the afflicted merchant,
6 it must be so, my poor Dog Is certainly
mad what must | do!--l must kill HIM,
lest some greater misfortune befall me; but
with what regret Oh, could Ind any
one to perform this cruel office for me!
/ but there in no time to loose; myself may
become the victim if ! spare him."
| Wltn THESE WOIQS Hc tllSW y Pioto' ii'iii
his pocket, and with trembling hand, took
aim at his faithful servant. He turned away
in agony as he fired.-But his aim was too
sure The poor animal falls wounded; and
weltcring in his own blood, still cndeayours
] to crawl towards his master as if to tax him
4 with ingratitude. The merchant could not
bear the sight; he spurred on his horse
with a heart full of sorrow, and lamcnted he
had taken journey which had cost HIM So
dear. Still, however, the money never en-
tered his mind; he only thought Of his poor
\ Dog, ard tried to console himself with the
reflection, that he had prevented greater
I evil by dispatching mad animal, than he
had suffered calamity BY his loss. 1hls
opatc TO his wounded spirit was Intellectual: !:
=. am most unfortunate" said he to him
self, 81 had almost rather have lost my
money than my Dog" Saying this, he
stretched out his hand TO grasphis treasure
1t was missing; no bag was TO be found
In an instant he opened his eyes to his rash
ness and follv-. Wretch that | am a.
lone am to blame | could not apprehend
The adnonition which my innocent and most
faithful friend gave me, and ! have sacrinc-
ed him for hszcal. He onlY wished toliform
me of my mistake, and lie has paid tor his
fidelity with his life.
/
Of at full gallop to the place where he had
4 stopped. He saw with half avcrtcd eyes,
the scene where the tragedy was acted; he
perceived the traces Of blood as he proceed
Cd he was oppressed and distracted but III
vain did nc look for his Dog--he was not to
be seen upon the road. Al last he arrived
at the spoc where had alightcd. Hut what
were his sensations His heart was ready to
bleed he cursed himself in the madness
Of dispair. The poor Dog, unable to follow
his dear, but cruel master, had determined
20 consecrate his last moments to his service.
He had crawcd, all bloody as he was, to
the forgotten bag, and in the agonics Of
death, he lay watching beside it. When he
saw his master, he still testified his Joy by
the wagging Of his tail-he could do no more
--hc tried 70 rise, but his strength was gone.
The vital tide was ebbing fast even the
carcssos oflis master could not prolong his
fate for few moments. He stretched out
, his tongue to lick the hand that was now
tondin% him in tic agonics OF regret, as if to
seal forgiveness for the deed that had dc
prived him Of life. He then ust look Of
Kindness on his master, and closed his eyes
forever