THE DOG OF MONTARGIS 



is by God. Therefore a judicial combat was called 

 a judgment of God. Alas, alas, my friend, how far 

 they were from sanity of mind! How far from it 

 we ourselves are, with our duel, relic of ancient 

 barbarism! What does a well-directed shot prove 

 in favor of him who pulled the trigger? Nothing, 

 unless it be that he is more adept in the use of fire- 

 arms than his adversary, or that chance has been on 

 his side. Thus it is, however, that men decide dis- 

 putes involving our most precious possession, honor. 



' ' The king, then, ordered the affair to be brought 

 to an end and the truth determined by a combat be- 

 tween the man and the dog. A large field was laid 

 out with seats for the king, all his court, and a nu- 

 merous company besides. In the middle of the field 

 were the two champions the man with a large and 

 heavy stick, the dog with the weapons that nature 

 had given it, and with nothing but a leaky cask for 

 a refuge and a sally-port." 



"This cask was to serve it as shelter against the 

 blows of the stick?" asked Emile. 



1 ' It was the citadel where, if the attack became too 

 pressing, it could take refuge in order to escape the 

 cudgel's blows. But the brave animal did not once 

 make use of it. As soon as it was let loose it rushed 

 at Macaire. But the noblemaiL's stick was big 

 enough to fell his adversary with a single blow; so 

 the dog began to run this way and that around the 

 man to avoid the crushing descent of the club. 

 Then, seizing its opportunity, with one bound it 

 jumped at its enemy's throat and gripped it so 



