Instinct 159 



after the murderer had hastily interred his victim, the 

 greyhound lay on top of the grave, remaining there for a 

 lengthy time, until hunger compelled it to return to one of 

 the royal kitchens. Here it was fed, but it did not remain, 

 and slipped back to keep the tryst on its master's grave 

 in the forest. It continued to act in this manner for some 

 days, until the curiosity of the inhabitants of the kitchen 

 was aroused, especially as the dog's master was nowhere 

 to be found. It was, therefore, followed, and on the 

 ground where the dog was lying being turned up, the body 

 of the unfortunate man was found. The story does not 

 end here, however. The greyhound's watch being ended, 

 it returned to the palace, and, on seeing Macaire, imme- 

 diately evinced the strongest aversion and ferocity towards 

 him. No one could fail to notice the dog's intense hatred, 

 and Charles V., on hearing of it, determined to satisfy him- 

 self as to the truth of the matter. The dog, and the man, 

 were brought before him, and immediately the greyhound 

 attempted to seize Macaire by the throat. The latter was 

 closely questioned, but denied his guilt. It was therefore 

 decided to test the matter, as was the custom of those 

 times, by combat. This extraordinary combat took place 

 on the Isle of Notre Dame, in Paris, and was witnessed by 

 the whole Court. Macaire was only allowed a club, as a 

 means of attack and defence. It is stated that the dog 

 seemed perfectly to recognize the situation and its duty. 

 For a short time it circled round Macaire, and then with 

 lightning speed, leapt at his throat, seizing him with such 

 speed, and tenacity, that he was taken unawares and was 

 in danger of being strangled. He cried aloud for mercy, 

 and avowed his crime, on which his assailant was pulled 

 off. 

 This curious instinct for " sensing' people's characters 



