The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-08-17
Mlstellaneous.
The Dog and tho Assassin
by MRS. c. A. soULE-


While travelling in 1857. through the
beautiful city Of Leipzig, observed, about
half league from the gate Of the town,
wheel and the bones of chained corpse ex-
posed to the gaIe of every paSser.
The following is the history of that crimi-
nal, as learned ii from the lips Of the Judge
who conducted the trial, and condemned him
60 be broken alive;
A German butcher being benighted in the
midst Of forest, lost his way, and while en-
Seayoring 90 gain the road was attacked by
highvaymeu. lie was on horseback and ac-
companied by large dog. One of the rob
bers seized the horse BY the bride, while the
tive sthers dragged the hntshSs from thOsad-
die and ieiled him. The dog Immediately
lcaped upon one Of them and stranglcd him
but the other wounded the animal 80 severe
ly that he rushed into the woods uttcring the
most fearful howls. The butcher, who by
this time had disengaged himself iron the
yrasp ef the second robber, drew his kn'ie
and killed him. But at the same moment
he received q shot FROM the third, he who
had Just wounded the dog, and falling. was
dispatched by the thief, who found upon him
n large sum Of gold, a silver watch aud a
few other articles OF value. lie p.undered
the corpse, ieaped upon the horse and fled.
Next morning two wood cutters happened
in that path, were surprised TO find three
dead bodies and large dog who seemed to be
guarding them. They examined them and en-
deayord 20 restore life. but in vain.
One of them dressed the wounds OF the
dog, gave him some focd and sought some
water for him. while the other hastcntd to
the nearest village IN inform the magistrate
of the discovery. The othccr accompanied
by several attendants, was soon ON the spot !;
\ surgeon examined the wounds OF the three
bodies; they drew up verbal process and
inferred them. The dog had dragged him
self. in the course Of the night, when all was
quiet. to the corpse Of his master, where he
was found the next morning. lie allowed
his new friend 10 dress his wounds, as IL fore
seeing that he must consent TO live that he
might one day avence the murderer; he ate
ard drank, but would hot leave the spot.
lie looked on quietly as they dug the
grave. and allowed them TO bury the bodies,
but as soon Us the turf was replaced, he
stretched himself upon il, howled mourntul-
ly, and resisted all Efforts Of the bystanders
10 induce him TO move. lie snapped at all
who came near him, except the woodman
who had tended him. He bore his caresses,
but NO sooner did the man attempt to take
his paws to remove him from the grave than
he cna.hed his teeth, and would have wound
ed him severely if he had not quickly He'd.
Every one admired the fidelity OF the dog,
and when the woodman offered to carry him
food and drink every day, that be might not
perish. the magistrate proposed taking up
a collection 10 rcmunerate the man, who was
poor and the father of large family. With
difEeulty he was induced TO accept the mon
ey, but he finally did, and from that mo-
uent burdened himseH with the care OF his
new pensioner.
The details Of this horrible event were pub
lishoi in the principal journals Of the coun-
try. j. Meyer, n brother Of the butcher,
reading sometime afterwards the advertise
nent OF the magistrate, fastened instantly 10
his presence, saying he had fears which he
believed Dow only too well founded, that his
brother had fallen into the hands of robbers,
as he had LEFT home with large sum of GOLD
for the purchase Of becves, and was not
heard from. Ills suspicious were only too
sadly confirmed when the magistrate related
~ him the conduct Of the dog, which he dc--
cribed. Mr.. Meyer, accompanied by the OH.
Ger and several Others, repaired 10 the grave.
As soon rs the dog perceived his masters
brother, he howlcd, Tapped his hands, and
eyinccd other demonstrations OF JOY. By
different parts Of his dress, Mr. Meyer recog
nircj the body Of his brother when they dis
Inferred IL. The absence Of the gold and th'
watch, the wounds OF the butcher and hi'
dog, those Of the two other bodies, together
with tho disappearance Of the horse, eonvinc-
ed the magistrate and the witnesses that the
deceased had not only been assassinated BY
two, but also by one or several Others who
had aed with the horse and plumber.
Having obtained permission, Mr.. Meyer
removed his brothers corpse 10 his native
village, and Inferred il in the adjoining GEN.
ctery. The faithful dog followed the body.
but by degrees became attached to his new
master.
Every effort was made by the mott diligcnt
fsarch and the ofer Of immense rewards TO
discover the assAssins. But in vain, the
horrible tragedy remained an enigma.
Two years had passed away, and all hopes
Of solving the mystery vanished, when Mr..
Meyer received letter. urging him 10 repair
without delay to Leipzig to close the eyes oI