Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-03-22
MISCELLANEOUS.
Canine Fidelity.

him in neiehboring village, set out on horse
back, accompanied by his dog, in order to re-
cover it. Having settled the business, he set
out for his residence with the bag of money
tied before him. The dog seemed to partake
of his masters satisfaction.
After some miles the merchant alighted to
rest in the shade, aud taking the bag of money
in his hand, laid it down by his side under a
hedge, and, on remounting. forgot it. The
dog, preceiving the forgetfulness of his mas
ter, ran to fetch the bag, but it was too heavy
for him to drag along.
He then ran back to his master, and, BY
whining. barking and bowling, seemed to en-
dcavor to remind him oil his mistake. The
merchant did not understand his language,
but the faithful creature persevered in his eff
forts and trying to stop the horse in vain, at
last began to bite his heels.
The merchant, absorbed in deep thought
as he rode along. and wholly forsetful of his
bag of money. began to think the dog was
mad. Full of this suspicion, in crossing n
brook he turned to see if the dog would drink !;
but the faithful animal too intent on its mas
ters business to think of itself continued to
bark and bite with greater violence than be-
fore
"Mercy :" cried the afflicted merchant. est
must be so; my poor dog is certainly mad
what must I do? l must kill him. lest some
greater misfortune befail me; but with what
regret! Oh could find any one to perform
this cruel Office for mel But there is no time
to loose; 7, myself, may become the victim,
if | spare him"
With these words he took pistol from his
pocket. and, with trembling hand, took aim at
his faithful servant. He turned away in ag-
ony as be fred. but his aim was too sure
The poor animal fell wounded and wel'cring
in his blood still endeavoring to crawl to-
wards his master, as if to tax him with ingrat
itule.
The merchant could not bear rhe sight
He spurred On his horse with heart full Of
sorrow. and lamented he had taken journey
which had cost him so dear.
Still, however the money never entered
his mind he only thought of his poor dog. and
tried to console himself with the reflection
that he had prevented a greater evil. by des-
patching mad animal, than he had suffered
a calamity by his loss.
But such thought gave him little satisfac-
ton.
Il am most unfortunate said he to him.
self; II wonld almost rather have lost my
money than my dog"
Saying this he stretched out his hand to
grasp the 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" said he, II alone am
to blame. I could not understand the mean
ing of my dogs actions and have killed him
: for 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 galop to the place where he had
stopped He saw with half-averted eyes the
scene where the tragedy was acted he per-
ceived the traces of blood as he proceeded he
was oppressed and distracted but in vain
did he look for his dog, he vas not to be seen
on the road.
At last he arrived at the spot where he had
left his money. But what where his sensa-
tions His heart was ready to bleed with the
sight that then met his view. The poor dog,
unable to follow his dear but cruel master,
had determined to give his last moments to
his service He had crawled, all bloody as
he was, to the forgotten bag, and now, in the
agones 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. he tried to raise. but his strength
was gone; even the caresses of his master
could not prolong his life for few moments.
He stretched out his tongue to lick the
hand that was now fondlne him in the ag-
onies Of regret, as if to seal forgiveness Of the
deed that had deprived him of life. He then
cast a look of kindness on his master and
closed his eyes in death.