The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-06-04
THE DOG OF BRUSSELS.

notice cur strangers, my companion and II
turned steps towards the Chamber Of Depu-
ties. The building is extensive, and occu-
pies three sides Of q square, the fourth being
open towards the parks. There is a large
smooth court in front, fOrms pleasant prom
enade; but in enc corner oft, and some what
marring the sta,eliness Of tho scene, l net.
iced common little wooden dog kennel,
which l supposed 10 beleng to watchdog.
Hnmble as was this little tenement, i, was
connected with an incident, of which had
the following history frsm my loquacious con.
duc.ress. "Here," she said, Gin this place
was the Gercest sighting in the revsluiion Of
1880; for several days after the battle the
ground was red With Frsnch and Belgian
blood"
Just then shaggy-lookins dog, somewhat
resembling large terrier, but, as / thought
an ugly specimen of bis race, walked slowly
toward us. He look cd goOd.natured, aud,
stopped TO pat him.
"Ay," said the old woman, "madam may
earess him now with safety, as hs is not on
the spot"
s."Whut spots" inquired; and in reply
she told me the following anscdote. "In The
revolutionary army that asssmbled:,o op-
pose the Dutch, who invaded our city in the
month of September, 1880, was yeuna
French officer, who, wherever he went, was
followed by the dog yeu see. The poor lad
was in the tbickest Of The fighting on the "a
tai 2lst, and fell covered with wounds, on
spot which | will show you"
She led me towards the centre of,he court,
but the dog went before, and lay down near
u smooth stone, looking up at US with au ex-
preston of fierce defiance in his eyes.
"Ah, poor fsllow!' said the old lady,
"wc're not going TO disturb you. Don't 20
near him, madame while he's there. This
was the spot where bis masters dead body
lay and be sat beside it licking the bleeding
wounds. At length it was renewed for bur-
ial, bu, the dog followed it, 'and stayed for
three day beside the grave. 1.-THE end Of
that time he returned here, and lay dewn
where yeu see him now, growing savsgely,
and attacking any one who tried to disladgs
him. Some of the people about bea. him
with sticks, and drove him away; the next
day he returned, but vas again cruelty hunt.
ed off. When he came back for a third
time, he was worn TO a skeleton from fatigue
and hunger, and look as if he would never
rise again from his masters death-place. My
husband and | had gone away for awhile, or
we would not have suffered the creature TO
be ill-treated; but one of the directors, who
is very humane man, CHANGED to pass by
just as rabble of boys we're preparing once
more TO torture the poor faithful dog. He
Immediately dispersed them, and having in
quired into the circumstances connected with
the animal, he ordered that he should never
be molested that tho kennel which you see
should be built for him; and procured
small sum TO be allowed weekly for his main
tenance. He soon recovered his strength,
and you may see by his appearance that he
is taken care Of Indeed he is we'll known
in the town; and the little masters and mis-
ses that play in the park delight in bringing
him sweet cakes, of which he is very fond
However, they know very we'll that although
he is as gentle as a lamb while he is walking
up and down, they must never attempt TO
touch him when lying on his chosen spot,
from which, indeed, he never stirs in any d.
rection farther than about bundled yards
Many Of his young friends have tried to en-
tice him to greater distance, and we have
sometimes allowed him 10 be hungry, and
then coaxed him on with his most favorite
lsod; but in vain. Ho always turned back,
and lay down whore his master fell. Seven
years have now passed away, but it il still
the same; the dumb creature never forgets."
During my stay at Brussels often walked
by the place, and never missed the dog from
his accustomed haHnt, nor saw him pass the
seifimposed limits mentioned by the good
woman. Her story was confirmed 10 me by
ethers, so that can see no reason 10 doubt
its truth. do not know the nawe Of the dog
of Brussels: his faithful limbs have no doubt
long ere now mingled with the dust, but
memory often recalls the story of his endur-
ing love.
Perchance the tidngs of ibis young mas
ter's fall brought darkness to the chambers
of some vne-covered cottage Of France
robbed fair faces of their smiles, and covered
graceful forms with the garb Of woe. They
wept and lamented: but a year passed over,
and the brothers und sisters laughed and
conversed as before. The vacant place Of
the dead was no lsnger needed, end his.
name had become an unspoken word. An
other year, and his. fair affianced enc had
consented to become another's bride. No
tear in that bright eye, no shadow on that
smooth brow, now told that even one SORROW
ing thought ever turned toward his lonely
grave.
Years still passed on, and even in the wild
owed mothers heart the memery other sold.
ier boy waxed dim.
Sha lid mi Eaxaot him ar;ta and ofian