The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1881-04-21
THE FLUTIsT's DOG.
From the French.

About the period OF the wars OF Mszalin, there
lived poor beggar of the namo OF sulplce.
Lean and scIaggy, as ugly as QussImodo, and
shaped like q, he possessed but dog for his
companion and aute as the only means Of sub.
siatence, Bnt his talent upon that instrument
was such that he could attract by It's melodious
sounds those whom his u fortunate physlogomy
repulsed.
They say that the beggars at this period had no
dislike to glass Of wine, In the course of their
wandt ring. Besides, everybody irequented the
taVerns. Times are very much changed. To day
every one goes to the cofFee-house. On certain
day Sui Jice entered tavern; there he ate enough
for four, and drank sufficient for ten, and then
rolled under the table and slept by the side Of
his dog An amateur, who was seated at one Of
the adjoining tables, took advantage OF his sleep,
robbed him Of his lute, and went out without
anyone discovering his theft When sulpice
awoke, his arst movement was to search for his
flute, which on more than one occasion had as.
sisted to pay his reckoning. Iu vain he fumbled
in his pockets, the instrument had disappeared.
How to express the shock-Lhe CONSERVATION Of
the poor beggar This flute was his all-his
treasure; II was excellent In tone, and OF perfect
workmanship; besides, he had possessed II over
twenty years What dreadful blow for poor
Sulpice. DesolatlOn was depicted In every feat.
ure; cold perspiration trickled down his face.
To no purpose did he question the walters ,,bar.
keeper end customers they all shrugged their
shoulders. The poor little fellow then made an
Internal noise; he cried, swore, raved, and over.
turned the tables and chairs, but no one could
give him back his hute; and they even threaten.
ed to call in the police to put an end to the up
roar. sulplce preferred paying hisreckoning and
Departed his eyes swollen with tears, and heart
burning with rage. Who has not heard Of the ad.
mirable instinct Of d0gS2 There have been fire.
quent examples Of their cunning SCENT but the
acuteness Of their hearing has seldom been put to
the test. Sulpice was already good distance
from the tavern, when on turning street. he saw
his dog wag his tail and raise his ears, like
pointer on the track OF partridge; next he
placed himself before his master, bounding up
joyfully and impatient to go forward. SulPice,
who at this moment was In no caressing humor,
hastily repulsed and even beat him. The dog
nowise quilted by beating, continued to mRreuvre
with different attempts, His master, In astonish.
ment knew not what cause to attribute this
strange obstinacy. He stood still, lost In deep
thought, when he heard behind him thesound Of
flute. His heart beat violently, and q restless
curiosity took possession OF his mind; he receded
a few spaces, and his dog began to point again,
redoubing his efforts since he had at length been
underkt cd. He ran before, showing the way,
and stopped barking In front Of house, from
whence proceeded the melodious sound. The
beggar listened attentIvely, ais Iurmises gaining
strength every Instant soon his doubts were
changed into conviction.
"5hall enteri" he asked Of himself
He went in; his dog; animated with zeal and
bounding with joy, ran before his master and
scratched at the door Of the unknown musician
he, hearing the noise, came to open the door
himself, holding the fute In his hand.
Holy Virgin tits my flute" exclaimed Sui
pice, transported with fury. my name is en-
graved on It," .....
Nor was he deceived. The unknown could not
deny the fact, or offer single word In justihca-
ton. He was devoted amateur, jealous Of the
reputation Of sulpice. In robbing him OF his in
shument, he thought TO deprive him also Of his
skill. Humbled and confused he stammered
out some inaudible words Of apology, and re.
stored the fate without any difficulty. Poor
sulDice, scarcely crediting such an unhoped for
good luck, asked nothing further, but rapidly de-
scended the steps and departed like Saint Rock
with hia dog