A Faithful Dog

The following instance of fidelity and sagacity in a dog was, some time back, related by Dr. Pariset, Late President of the Academy of Medicine at Paris, at a meeting of La Societé: - A young man of Perpignan was arrested on a charge of conspiracy, and taken to Paris. He had a dog, which, seeing its master carried off in this manner, knew that he was unhappy, and his looks showed sadness and grief. The dog followed the carriage in which his master was conveyed, but took care not to show himself to him. When they arrived in Paris their carriage was driven to the prison of the Conciergerie. There the three travellers alighted, and the dog, not being able any longer to conceal himself, assuming an attitude of submission, of condolence and of fear, came crouching to his master, who, surprised and affected, replied to his caresses by his own, and obtained leave from the governor of the prison for the poor animal to remain with him. Three months passed before the trial came on, and, on the day it took place, the young man was followed to the Hall of Justice by his dog, which lay down under a bench, where it remained during the trial. The young man was unanimously acquitted, and was most warmly congratulated by numerous friends who were present. Before leaving the court he inquired for his dog, but he was nowhere to be found. From the joy which followed the acquittal, the dog concluded that his master was out of danger and had nothing more to fear, and he immediately set out for perpignan, travelling night and day. After a journey of more than a hundred hours he reached the city and arrived at the master’s house, where he barked loudly and scraped violently at the door, and when it was opened by the surprised family, the dog rushed in, his eyes sparkling with delight, running from side to side, leaping and uttering cries of joy; the movements of his whole frame seemed to say “Rejoicing be in the midst of you!” In reality, two days afterwards a letter arrived, acquainting the family with the happy result of the trial, and announcing the speedy return of him for whom they so long suffered the greatest anxiety. From Paris to Perpignan the distance is 240 leagues – 600 English miles.