Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-12-04
The Sturp Teller.
WHAT DID THE DOG SEE?

Montague observes, "things unknown are
the principal and true subject of imposture,
forasmuch as in the first place their strange
ness lends to them credit, and moreover, by
not being ubjected to our ordinary discourse,
they deprive us of the means to question and
disDute them." The incident am about to
relate is strictly true in all save that have
appropriated fictitious name for the par
ties involved in the narrative.
In the summer of 1867, was journeylng
leisurely through Western Ohio, on horse.
back, when, late one afternoon, l discovered
my horse had suddenly become lame in one
of his fore legs. Dismounting, l made an
examination, with the purpose OF discover
ing the precise location of the injury, but,
failing in this, l flung the reins over my
arm, and led my poor beast toward a iarm arm
house which was near at hand. found the
owner, Abel Shelly, seated on the porch,
smoking his pipe, with his wife sitting oX.,
engaged in knitting. Introducing myself,
and explaining my situation, inquired II
he could accommodate me with resting
place until could resume my journey: lie
acquiesced at once, assuring me that was
perfectly welcome, and presenting me to his
wife, laid down his pipe and began to ex-
anime the feet of my horse.
81 can see nothing at present" ne remark
ed, 'sthat indicates the seat of the injury,
but I'll put him in the barn, and II ne does
not improve by tomorrow, we'll determine
what is to be DONE"
Leading the animal away, he shortly re-
turned to the house. In the meantime L
had entered into conversation with Mrs.
Shelly, who was very we'll Informed per-
son, but Judged by the remarkable pallor
of her face that she was not in particularly
good health. Mr.. Shelly conducted me TO
room, where, having deposited my saddle,
bags and takena refreshing wash, returned
to the porch, and was soon engaged IN an IN IN,
teresting conversation about crops ana the
general topics of the day. l discovered my
host to be an unusually bright and well Tread
farmer, with a certain seriousness about hlm
that forbade anything like unseemly famill-
arity, and which was sure to inspire respect
i'm a considerable degree. He was an east
ern man by birth, but had been settled in the
west for twenty years. Beyond his wife ne
had no family, and it struck me as oelng
somewhat singular that l saw no hands
about the place save an old negro, VINO was
slowly performing some duty IN the co"
yard.
After hearty supper and smoke with
corn-cob pipe, went with Mr.. Shelly to the
stable, to take look at my horse. In turn
ing an angle of the building, he grasped me
by the arm and pulled ME quickly aside.
His action startled me for an Instant but
the next moment 1 perceived his motive.
Chained near the path was one OF the most
immense and ferocious looking mastltfs L
ever beheld. A magnificent creature to
look upon, but a terror to meet, II one
were unprepared.
"Down, Captainw commanded my com
panion, as the dog. was in the act of spring
ing to his feet. The animal resumed his
crouching attitude, and Mr.. Shelly went on
to say: "That dog is invaluable to me as a
guard. He is absolutely fearless, and will
shrink from no danger, no matter how ap-
paling it may appear. But his ferocious
nature compels me to keep him chained du,
ring the day, for verify believe ne would
killa stranger, if he encountered MN IN the
place."
"He is certainly a splendid creature" |
remarked, looking back; II would like to
make friends with him, for have an innate
fondness tor dogs"
Mr.. Shelly shook his head. "Don't try
it," he said. Il wouldn't have you APP
proach him under any consideration. That
dog will throw an unruly steer, and hold
him so securely that he can't rise. An ordl-
nary man would stand but poor chance OF
getting away from him alive.'
passed Captains kennel, and paused to look
at him. Mr.. Shelly patted his head, while
the animal stretched the length of his chain
toward me, regarding me all the while with
a look that seemed to be anything but un-
friendly. There seemed to be so honest a
purpose in the brute's eyes that instinct
lively put forth my hand, and laid 1t cares
singly on his huge head, when, to the amaze
ment of his master, the creature actually
licked my hand in token Of amity. really
laughed at the CONSERVATION depicted IN
Mr. Shol1y3S pountnnaDpp
"Well!' he exclaimed, drawing long
breath, ''if had not witnessed the thing, L
never could have believed it. Why, that
animal is tiger in disposition, and | never
believed him capable of friendship for any
but my wife and myself. Old Reuben, the
negro, is terrified when he comes in the vi
cinity of that dog. His demeanor toward
you is certainly very surprising."''
1t was the custom of MIR. Shelly to loose
CAPTAIN when they were about closing the
house and retiring, and to chain him up
early in the morning, before it was likely
there would be any callers at the farm.
The following morning l arose very early,
having passed u restless night, and finding
it impossible to take u morning nap, L
dressed and went down stairs, seating my
self on the porch. had entirely forgotten
the fact that Captain was loose, and as SAT
inhaling the fresh air from the pines, was
startled to behold the dog standing by my
side, gazing fixedly on my face: For mo-
ment l was undecided how to act Retreat
was impossible-to show fear might induce
the brute to fix his fangs in my throat in an
instant. I was afraid to speak, lest 4
strange voice might alter his purpose if it
was pacific. l, therefore, looked kindly at
him and smiled. Majestcally striding up
to me, he laid his broad head upon my
knee, and | cautiously began to caress him.
During the operation Mr. Shelly Fortunate
ly appeared on the scene. He gave quick
glance toward me, and calling the dog, took
him to his kennel and chained him. Then
it was explained the circumstance of my
early rising, and the unexpected meeting
of Captain On the porch.
81 don't quite comprehend your good
luck with the dog" he remarked; "but l
would advise you in future, to keep in doors
until you have seen me about"
eff you have no objection," replied, 81
would very much like to feed thedog once
only once. 1 will be very careful but
really will consider it a favor if you will
consent to my request"
'All right" he returned. "You know
what have said about his terrible nature;
therefore be on your guard"
That day 1 carried Captain his dinner,
and he devoured it while l stood by his
side. From thenceforth | had not a mis-
giving of his good disposition toward me.
| was detained at the farm for six days,
before the lameness of my horse allowed
me to resume my journey. During this
time / became very much attached to Mr..
Shelly and his wife. Captain and myself