The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-03-20
A CLASSIC (?) EPISODE.
HECTOR, THE HOMERIC HERO,
FALLS,
Not Slain by Achilles, But PeriShes at
the Hands of North
Street Mob.

History often repeats itself on the mimic
stage of life when men, and even at times
dogs are the actors. Such was the case in
Elkton, when the lifeless body of II canine
Hector, son of the great Shepherd progenitor
Priam, was dragged not about the tomb of
some modern Patroclus. but ignominiously
through the mud Of Cecil's capital.
1t is an old saying, that dog fight will draw
men worse than blister, and an excited crowd
on North street in this town Oh Saturday
afternoon last proved. that after dog has
been given bad name, you had better hang
him, for if you don't he will certainly be
violently slain.
Hector, valuable Shepherd dog owned by
DR.. John II. lamar of this town, was the
innocent (?) cause of all the row on Saturday
Hector like most dogs of his breed, enter
tanned a noticeable dislike for terriers. and
small dogs generally. Like the big, bury
fellow in n crowd, he looked down on little
dogs of all pedigrees and like his human
prototypes. didn't hesitate to give IA tiny fell
low a good-natured shake, whenever he felt
well, and hadn't n fellow of his size to tackle
in his usual health, followed member of DR..
Jamar's family down town. and as usual
INDUCED his pleasant pastime in giving a
few dogs good shaking He reached Bridge
street. without encountering any of the town
constabularies. and returning to the East
End by way of High street. paid his rough
compliments to a number of small dogs, en-
route.
But his Nemesis was at hand in the shape
OF the big net and the dog catchers.
The cry Of "mad dog was raised and with
the posse comitatus at his heels, Hector was
chased to Elk Landing lane, where he took
to the Little Elk Creek, which he bravely
swan, taking refuge finally on Cherry Island
His aquatic feat of swimming the Little Elk
Hellespont. forever sets at rest any suspicion
that he was a rabid dog.
The tragic events that followed ending in
his death mt the door of the office of the
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, constitute
the story of faithful domestic pet, that fell
Il victim to popular fury, to which his own
acts had largely contributed.
Hector had spent restless night Oh Cherry
Island, and when the gray streaks of early
dawn had painted the Eastern horizon, his
thoughts naturally reverted to the physical
comforts of his East End home.
His silky coat was dsheveled and torn, his
glossy fur bedragged and soiled. He looked
every inch an unhappy dog, as his instincts
led him homewards.
But he made the start.
He swan the creek again, and recalling the
shot and bullets of the town, gave it II
wide berth, landing at Holly Hall after noon,
and crossing Creswell meadow, where his
instinct of fear being excited. a pugnacious
heifer chased him from the field.
He reached the Main street of the town.
but the cruel story of his preceding days
experience had preceded him.
He ran in fear to East High street, but
could not escape recognition.
He was an abiect subject of the Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. but the
thoughtless crowd that howled at his heels,
dreamed not Of his inward fear, and sent him
ahead at II rapid pace.
Theechoing shouts of"mad dog" resoundcd
in the empty streets and hurrying men and
boys, armed cap-a-pie with guns, pistols
bludgeons and blunderbusses, made the day
hideous.
Down North street came the surging crowd
at his heels.
1t was fun for the boys, but it meant death
to the unfortunate Hector.
Hooting, shouting, the pursuing crowd
kept on, the terrified Hector knowing not
which way to turn.
The rattling shot. or whizzing bullet, that
sped after him. stung and burned his hind
quarters, lacerated and tore the quivering
flesh, but left his legs intact.
He tore down Main street, then Bow street
promised no refuge, as the echoing guns
doomed on the evening air.
At High street he turned east. then into
North street again. 'Bang, pop, bang
echoed the random shots that might eternally
have sputtered in vain at his heels.
But Hector still survived the fusiladc.
1t was a simple test of strength of leg be-
tween him and the crowd, with the chances
still in favor Of the dog, as he passed the WHO
office, IL bleeding object of compassion and
sympathy.
But death awaited him in an unexpected
quarter.
Standing at the corner of Odd Fellows Hail.
quiet gentleman from North East, by well
directed pistol shot, robbed the pursuing mob
of the glory GU of his death.
So persisted Hector, we believe an innocent
and much prosecuted dog.
But a section OF his spine, now adorns a
scientists laboratory, and science will soon
determine, the justice or injustice OF his rude
taking off.
Editors Meet.