The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1843-07-06
MERCHANT AND HIS Dog

MERCHANT AND HIS Dog
A French merchant having some mon
ey due from correspondent, set out on
horseback, accompanied by bis dog, on
purpose TO receive it. Having settled the
business TO his satisfaction he tied the bag
OF money before him, and began TO return
home. His faithful dog, as if he entered
into his masters feelings frisked about
the horse, parked and jumped, and seemed
to participate in his joy.
The merchant after riding some miles,
had occasion to alight, and taking the bag
Of money in his hands, laid it down by
his side under hedge, aud, on remount-
ing, forgot it. The dog perceived his
lapse of recollection, and wishing to Iec-
tfy it, ran to fetch the bag, but it was too
heavy for him to drag along. He then
fastened to his master, and by crying,
barking and bowling, seemed 10 remind
him of his mistake. The merchant un-
derstood not his language; but the assidu-
Gus creature perseverlng in his efforts,
after trying TO stop the horse in vain, at
last began to bite his heels.
The merchant absorbed in some revere,
wholly overlooked the real object of his
at1ectionate attendants importantly, but
walked TO the alarming apprehension that
he was gone mad. Full of this suspi.
cion, in crossing brook, he turned back
to see if the animal would drink. 1t was
TOO intent on his masters bag TO think of
itself; it continued 10 bark and bite with
greater violence than before.
'Mercy!' cried the afflicted merchant,
it must be so; my poor dog is certainly
mad. What must do? [ must kill him,
lest some greater misfortune befal me; but
with what regret Oh, could | find anv
one TO perform this cruel office for me -
but there is 70 time 10 lose: myself may
become the victim if spare him
With those words he drew a pistol
from 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 ia lis
wounded; and welerng in his blood, en-
deavors to crawl towards his master, as if
to tax him with ingratilude. The mer-
chant could not bear the sight: he spurred
on his horse, with heart full of sorrow,
and lamented he had taken a Journey
which had cost him so dear Sill, how
ever, the money never entered his mind;
he only thought of his poor dog, and
Tried TO console himself with the rehec-
llon that he prevented a greater evil by
despatching a mad animal, than he had
suffered calamity by his loss. This
opldte to his wounded spirit was inehect-
uaI: Il am most unfortunate,' said he TO
himself; Il had almost rather have lost
my money than my dog Saying this,
he stretched out his hand to grasp his
treasure. 1t was missing no BAG was
to be found. In an instant he opened his
eyes to his rashness and folly. Wretch
that | am [ alone am 10 blame. could
not comprehend the admontion which nv
best and most faithful friend gave me, and
have sacrificed him for his zeal. He
only wished to inform me of my mistake,
and he has paid for his fidelity with his
life.
Instantly he turned his horse and went
off at full gallop 10 the place where he
had stopped. He saw with half averted
eyes, the scene where the tragedy was
acted; he perceived the traces of blood,
as he proceeded: he was oppressed and
distracted; but in vain did he look for his
dog - he was not to be seen on the road.
At last he arrived at the spot where he
had aIighted. But what were his sensa-
tions His heart was ready 10 bleed he
cursed himself in the madness of despair.
The poor dog unable to follow his dear
but cruel master, had determined 10 con-
secrate his last moments 10 his service.
He had crawled, all bloody as he was, to
the forgotten bag, and in the agonies of
death, he lay watching beside it. When
he saw his master, he still testified his
Joy by the wagging of his tai!-he could
DO no more - he tried to rise, but his
strength was gone. The vital tide was
ebbIng fast: even the caresses of his mas.
ter could not proloEg his fate for few
moments. He stretched out his tongue
to lick the hand that was now fondlino him.
In the agonies of regret, as if to seal his
forgiveness of the deed that had deprived
him of life. He then cast look of kind.
ness on his master, and closed his ewes
forever.
HoNEsTY.-On Monday evening, young man
from the city of New York, took passage on board
the South America for this place, having among
other moneys twenty five dollars in gold. Upon
leaving his berth in the morning he found himself
minus the gold and after making dlgent but I'm.
successful enquiries, gave it up as lost, surprising
he had been robbed. Just as he was leaving The
boat, he was accosted by a stranger, who said he