THE DOG OF MONTARGIS 



distance, and directs its threats toward the quarter 

 where Macaire has disappeared. 



"This performance is repeated again and again, 

 and on each occasion the dog, perfectly gentle to- 

 ward every other person, is seized with violent rage 

 at the sight of the murderer and recommences its 

 assaults. It is against Macaire alone that it nurses 

 a grudge which neither threats nor blows can ap- 

 pease. Such is the creature's fury that finally the 

 query arises whether the dog may not be actuated 

 by a desire to avenge the death of its first master." 



"Ha! now we are coming to it. Suspicion is 

 aroused. ' ' 



' ' They speak to the king about the affair ; they tell 

 him that a nobleman of his court was found buried, 

 victim of an unknown assassin; they further inform 

 him that the dead man's dog, with indomitable per- 

 sistence, springs at the Chevalier Macaire every 

 time it sees him. The king has the suspected person 

 brought before him and orders him to remain hid- 

 den in the midst of a throng of other bystanders. 

 Then the dog is brought in. Its sense of smell im- 

 mediately warns it of the presence of the murderer. 

 With its accustomed fury it spots its victim in the 

 crowd and springs at him. As if reassured by the 

 king's presence, it attacks with more boldness than 

 ever, and by its plaintive barks seems to ask that 

 justice be done it. There is hasty intervention, 

 without which Macaire would be devoured by the 

 animal. ' ' 



"And it would have served him right." 



