But the stranger knew not what measures to adopt. At length, the
singular movements of the dog, still there, attracted his notice. He
appeared restless and watchful; and, at intervals, uttered a low and
piteous howl. This startled the stranger, and the suspicion of foul
play crossed his mind. He hinted his suspicion, delicately indeed, but
the barber took fire and ordered him to quit the shop.
The manner of the barber rather increased than allayed his suspicion.
And then the dog――his conduct was inexplicable. Nothing would induce
him to quit the place. The poor animal appeared kind to the remaining
stranger, but nothing would induce him to stir from the spot.
The distress of the stranger now amounted to agony. At length he
ventured to make known his story to some passers-by. They stopped and
listened. Others came up and listened also. A crowd was soon collected.
By some it was proposed to send for the officers of the police. Others
said, “No, let us search the house.” This latter course was at length
agreed upon. Accordingly, a competent number of men entered, and
as the people greatly increased without, they barred the door, and
began to examine. No discovery, however, was made, and the search was
relinquished.
All this time, however, the dog continued at his post. At length,
when the search was through, and nothing found, the barber requested
the people to leave his shop, which they did. Now, coming to the
door, he began to assure the people of his innocence. At this moment
the dog descried him. In an instant he sprang and caught him by the
throat. Persons flew to his assistance, and, at the hazard of their
lives, rescued him from the grasp of the dog, who seemed urged on with
indescribable madness and fury.
What could this mean? Was the dog really mad, or had the barber
secretly made way with his master? One opinion only prevailed. There
had in some way been foul play, and the dog was only acting out the
sagacity which the God of nature had given him. It was agreed that the
dog should have his liberty and be allowed to pursue the course he
pleased.
The crowd fell back, the doors were opened, and the dog let loose. He
sprang to the threshold, and entering the shop, smelled his way down a
pair of stairs into a dark cellar, which he filled with his howlings.
The noise of the dog was heard without. Several persons entered the
shop――lights were procured, and on searching the cellar, a door was
found which communicated with the cellar of the adjoining house.
Information was immediately given to the people above. They forthwith
surrounded the house. That cellar was also searched, and there was
found the murdered remains of the unfortunate stranger. On his trial,
the barber confessed his guilt.
The World within a Plant.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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