The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1881-10-15
THE SHEPHERDS DOG.


Donald Archer, a grazier living near Paisley,
in Scotland in the latter part of the last century,
had long kept fine dog for the purpose of at
tending his cattle the mountains.
The grazier having young puppy given him
by a friend brought it home to his house. and
was remarkably fond of it; but on the puppy
being caressed, the old sheep-dog invariably
snarled and appeared greatly dissatisfied. And,
when at times it came to eat with old Brutus,
dislike was evident, which at length made him
leave the house; and, notwithstanding every re-
search, his master was never able to discover his
abode
About four years after his elopement, the
grazier had been driving herd of cattle to
neighboring fair, where he disposed of them, re-
ceived his money, and set out on his return home.
Having proceeded about ten miles on his journey,
he was overtaken by a tempest of wind and rain,
that ragged with such violence as to cause him to
look for a place of shelter A smoke that came
from some bushes convinced him that he was
near house. accordingly, he crossed path, and
came to the door, knocked, and demanded admis-
sion The landlord surly looking fellow, gave
him an invitation to enter and be seated. Our
traveller was hardly before the fire, when he was
saluted with equal surprise and kindness by his
former dog, old Brutus, who came Wagering his
tail and demonstrating all the gladness he could
express. Archer Immediately knew the animal,
and was astonished at thus unexpectedly finding
him so many miles from home, but did not think
proper to inquire of his host at that time, how
he came into his possession.
He did not like the house he was in, nor the
Of ha hut 70
90 out in the wood during the night and to en-
counter the violence Of the conflicting clements
might, in all probability, turn out more fatally
than to remain where he was. He therefore re-
solved to wait the return Of morning; and, after
q short conversation, he conducted to an
apartment and left to take his repose.
1t may be here necessary to inform the reader
that from the first moment of Archer's arrival
the dog had not left him moment, but had even
followed him into the chamber where he placed
himself under the bed, unperceived by the land
lord The door being shut, our traveller began
to revolve in his mind the singular appearance Of
his old companion, his lonely situation, and the
manners Of the inmates OF the house, the whole
Of which tended to confirm his suspicion of being
in place of danger and uncertainty. His refec-
Jl0IS were SOOh ny lIt approach Ol
the dog, who came Eawning from under the bed
and by several extraordinary gestures endeavored
to direct his attention to particular corner of
the room. He accordingly went thither, and saw
a sight that called up every sentiment Of horror.
The floor was stained with blood, which seemed
to flow out of closet, that was secured by lock-
which he in vain attempted to force No longer
doubling his situation, but considering himself
as the next victim of the wretches into whose
society he had fallen he resolved to sell his life
as dearly as possible, and either to perish in the
attempt or effect his deiverance
With this determination he pulled out his
pistols and softly opened the door, honest Brutus
at his heels, with his shaggy hair erect like the
SristIes of a boar, bent on destruction He
reached the bottom of the stairs with as much
caution as possible, and listened attentively for
few minutes, when he heard a conversation be-
tween several persons whom he had not seen
when he first came into the house, which left
him no room to doubt of their intention. The
villainous landlord was informing Them in a low
tone of the booty they would find in the posses
sion of his guest, and the moment they were to
murder him for the purpose of obtaining the
money.
Alarmed Archer was, he Immediately con-
Guided that no time was to be lost in using his
utmost eXertion to save his life. He, therefore,
without hesitation, burst in among them, and
fired his pistol at the landlord who fell from his
seat. The rest of the gang were struck with
establishment at so sudden an attack; while the
grazer made for the door, let himself out, and
fled with rapidity, followed by the dog. A mus
ket was discharged after him, but fortunately
did not do any injury. With all the speed that
danger could create, he until daylight ena-
bled him to perceive a house, and the main road