Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-22
WHAT DID THE DOG SEE.

|
Montaigne observe ''things unknown are
the principal and true subject of imposture,
| forasmuch as in the first place their strange
ness lends to them credit and, however, by
not being subjected to our ordinary dis
course they deprive us of means to question
and dispute them" The incident am
about to relate is strictly true in all save
that have appropriated fictitious name
for the parties involved in the narrative.
In the summer of 1867 was journeying
leisurely through Western Ohio on horse
back, when, late one afternoon, I discover
ed my horse had suddenly become lame in
one of his forelegs. DIsmounting l made
an examination with the purpose of discov-
ering the precise location of the injury, but,
failing in this, flung the reins over my
arm and led my poor beast toward farm
house which was near at hand. l found the
owner, Abel Shelly, seated on the porch,
smoking his pipe, with his wife sitting by
engaged in knitting. Introducing myself
and explaining my situation, inquired if
he could accommodate me with a resting
place until could resume my journey. He
acquiesced at once, assuring me that was
perfectly welcome, and, presenting me to
his wife, laid down his pipe and began to
examine the feet of my horse.
II can see nothing at present." he TO-
marked, ''that indicates the seat Of the in
jury, but I'll put him in the barn, and if he
does not improve by tomorrow we'll deter
mine 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 well 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 taken refreshing wash, return
ed to the porch and was soon engaged in an
interesting conversation about crops and
the general topics of the day. discovered
my host to be an unusually bright and we'll
read farmer, with certain seriousness
about; him that forbade anything like un-
seemly familiarity and which was sure to
inspire respect in a considerable degree. He
was an eastern man by birth, but had been
settled III the west for twenty years. Be-
yond his wife he had no family, and it struck
me as being somewhat singular that saw
no hands about the place save an old negro,
who was slowly performing some duty in
the cow-yard.
After hearty supper and a smoke with
corn-cob pipe went with Mr.. Shelly to
the stable to take look at my horse. In
turning an angle of the building he grasped
me by the arm and pulled me quickly aside
His action startled me for an instant, bat
the next moment perceived his motive
Chained near the path was one of the most
immense and ferocious looking mastifs L
ever beheld. A magnificent creature to
look upon, but a terror to meet if one were
unprepared.
"Down, Captainp' 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
guard. He is absolutely fearless and will
shrink from no danger, no matter how ap-
palling it may appear. But his ferocious
nature compels me to keep him chained du-
ring the day, for verify believe he would
kill a stranger if he encountered him in the
place.
'He is certainly splendid creature" 1
remarked, looking back. 81 would like to
make friends with him, for have an inna te
fondness for dogs
Mr.. Shelly shook his head. ssDon't try
it," he said. II wouldn't have you to ap.
proach him under any consideration. That
dog will throw an unruly steer and hold
him SO securely that he can't rise. An or
binary man would stand but poor chance
of getting away from him alive" 3.
On our way back from the stable we again
passed Captains kenrel 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
look that seemed to be anything but un-
friendly. There seemed to be so honest a
purpose in the brute's eyes that instinc-
lively put forth my hand and laid it caress-
ingly 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 on
Mr.. Shelly's countenance.
"Well," he exclaimed, drawing long
breath, ''if had not witnessed the thing
never could have believed it. Why, that
animal is tiger in disposition and l nev-
er believed him capable of friendship for
any but my wife andself. Old Reuben, the
negro, is terrified when he comes in the
vicinity of that dog His demeanor towards
you is certainly very surprising.
1t was the custom of Mr.. Shelly to loose