Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-10-24
WHAT DID THE DOG SEE!

their strangcncSs lends To them creult,
and, moreover, by not being subjected to
our ordinary discourse they deprive us OF
the means to question and dispute them" d"
The incident am about to relate is strictly
true in all save that l have appropriated
a fictitious name for the parties involved
in the narrative.
In the summer of 1867 was jOurneying
lcisurely through Western Ohio on horse
back, when, late one afternoon, discoY-
cred my horse had suddenly become lame
in one of his forelegs. Dismounting
made an examination with the purpose OF
discovering the precise location of the ill
Jury, but, failing in this, | flung the relns
over my arm. and led the poor beast to-
wards a farmhouse which WAS near ut
hand. found the owner, Abel Shelly,
seated on the porch, smoking his pipe,
with his wife sitting by engaged in knit
ting. Introducing myself and explaining
NV situation, inquired if he could ac-
commodate me with Il resting place until
| could resume my journey. lie acquies-
ccd at once, assuring me that was per-
fcctly 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 ut present." he re-
marked, "that indicates the seat of the in
jury, but III put him in the barn, and II
he does not improve by tomorrow we ii
determine what is to be done"
Leading the animal away, he shortly
returned to the house. In the meantime
| had entered into conversation with Mrs.
Shelly, who was very well Informed
person, but | Judged hy the remarkable
nallor of her face that she was not in par
ticularly good health. Nlr. Shelly con-
ducted me to 4 room, where, having de-
posted nv slddle-bags and taken n re-
frcshing wash, returned to the porch
and was soon engaged in an interesting
conversation about crops and the general
topics of the day. discovered my host
to bc an unusually bright and well-read
farmer, with n certain seriousness about
him that forbid anything like unseemly
familiarity and which was sure to inspire
respect in Il considerable degree. lie was
an Eastern man by birth, but had been
settled in the West tor twcnty-cight years.
Beyond his wife he had no family, and it
struck me as being somewhat singular
that saw no hands about the place save
in old negro, who was slowly performing
some duty in the COW yard.
After hearty supper and smoke with
Il corncob pipe | went with Mr.. Shelly to
the stable to take Il look at my horse. In
turning an angle of the building he grasp
ed me by the arm aud pulled me quickly
aside. His action startled me for an in
slant, but the next moment | perceived
his motive. Chained hear the path was
one of the most immense and ferOcious-
looking maStills | ever behcld. y mag
niiccnt creature TO look upon, but ter
ror to meet if one were unprepared.
"Down, Captain!" commanded my
us the dog was in the act of
springing to his feet. The animal resumed
his crouching attitude and Mr.. Shelly
went OH to say: "rhat dog is invaluable
to me rs guard. lie is absolutely fear
less and will shrink from no danger, 10
matter how appalling it may appear. But
his fcrocious nature cOmpcls me to keep
him chained during the day, for verify
believe he would Kill stranger If he en-
countered him in the place"
Gle is certainly a splendid creature" l
looking back. 81 would like
to make friends with him, for have an
innate fondness for dogs"
Mr.. Shelly shook his head. "DOn't try
it," he said. 81 wouldn't have you ap-
proach him under any consideration.
That dog will throw an unruly steer and
hold him 80 securely that he can't rise.
in ordinary man would stand but poor
rhance of getting away from him alive"
On our way back from the stable we
again passed Captains kennel anG paused
10 look NJ him. Mr.. Shelly patted his
head, while the animal stretched the
length of cham toward me, regarding me
al the while with look that seemed TO
be anything but unfriendly. There seom-
ID TO be so honest Il purpose in the 5rutc's
eyes that instinctiycly put forth my
hand and laid it caressingly on his huge
head, when to the amaZement of his mas
.er the creature actually licked my hand
IN token OF amity. really laughed at the
depicted on Mr.. Shelly's
"Wcll," hc exclaimed, drawing long
breath, 'if had not witnessed tie thing
never could have believed it. Why,
hat animal is tiger in disposition and
never believed him capable Of friendship
or any bat my wife and self. Old Reuben,
he negro, is terrified when lie comes in
lie vicinity Of that dog. His demeanOr
oward you is certainly very surprising"
1t was the custom Of Mr.. Shelly 10 loose
captain when they were about closing the
house and retiring and to chain him up
,arly in the morning, before it was likely
here would be any callers at the farm.
l'he following morning arose very early,
having passed a restless night, and finding
t impossible TO take morning nap
lressed and went down stairs, seating
myself OIL the porch. had entirely for
gotten the fact tli.t Captain was loose,
md as | sat inhaiing the fresh air from
ne pines | was startled TO behold the dog
tandIIg by my side, gazing fixedly on
ny face. For Il moment was undecided
iow to act. Retreat was impossible