54 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
front of his saddle, placed it carefully under his 
head. 
133. 44 After having remained some time in this 
situation, he arose and remounted, without even a 
thought of his bag. The Dog, who had witnessed 
this mark of inattention, attempted to recall his rec- 
ollection by barks and screams ; and, finding the 
bag too heavy for his utmost exertions, ran howling 
after him, and caught the horse by the heels. 
134. 44 The merchant considered these as symp- 
toms of madness, and, perceiving that he did not 
drink as usual when he came to a stream, he was 
confirmed in the opinion. Thinking it an act of ne- 
cessity to kill him, he drew a pistol, and with averted 
face, from affection for the Dog, fired. The ball 
took effect, and the Dog, though not dead, was mor- 
tally wounded. 
135. 44 The bleeding animal endeavoured to crawl 
towards his master, whose feelings revolted at the 
affecting sight, and, spurring on his horse, he pur- 
sued his journey, with the image of his expiring fa- 
vourite strongly impressed on his mind. He ex- 
claimed, 4 1 had rather lost my money than so affec- 
tionate a dog when, stretching out his hand, as if 
to grasp the treasure, he found it was gone. 
136. 44 His eyes were instantly opened to see the 
truth. 4 What a wretch have I been !’ said he. 
4 Poor faithful creature ! how have I rewarded thy 
fidelity !’ He immediately turned his horse, and set 
off with the fleetest motion, and soon came to the 
spot where the proof of his folly was displayed ; and 
every drop of blood that he saw seemed to reproach 
him with injustice. By the drops of blood he was 
enabled to trace the creature’s footsteps. 
137. 44 When the merchant came to the hedge, 
