d would have
seized the proud neck of Madame between his powerful hands, in an
endeavor to carry out the desire to throttle her, which had forced
itself upon his brain, but at that very instant Dr. Medjora came in,
and, with a single glance, appreciating that the lad was beside
himself, he rushed forward and held him firmly.

"What does this mean, Leon?" the Doctor demanded.

"She has poisoned Lossy! Let me go! I will kill her!"

Leon struggled fiercely to be free, but he found himself restrained by
muscles which were like steel. The Doctor, however, was himself
tremendously moved by what he heard. Addressing his wife he asked:

"Did you do that? Does he speak the truth?"

"I gave the beast poison. Yes! What of it?"

"Then you are a wicked fiend, Madame. Leave the room!"

"I will not!" replied Madame, with energy.

"Leave the room, or else I will release the boy. Go! go quickly whilst
you may!" The Doctor's tones were imperative, and as the woman looked
into the faces of the two men, her courage left her, and with a
muttered imprecation she hurried from the room. As the door closed
after her, the Doctor released Leon, but by a swift movement
intercepted him as he endeavored to escape from the apartment, and
turning the key in the lock he took it out, and thus prevented Leon
from following his wife.

"Leon, my dear boy," said the Doctor, in tones expressive of the
deepest sympathy, "let us see what we can do for Lossy. Perhaps it is
not too late to save him, and it is better to do that, than to vent
your anger upon a woman."

"A woman! Do not call her by that name. She is a contamination to her
sex. Pardon my speaking so of your wife, Doctor, but--but--she has
murdered Lossy. Murdered my dog, just as I called such a deed murder,
in the little story which I showed to you that day in the woods. Do
you remember?"

"Perfectly, but there can be no murder unless he dies. Let me see!"

"Yes! Yes! Save him! Use your wonderful knowledge to save this dumb
brute, as I have seen you pluck infants from the brink of the grave.
Save my pet, my kind friend! Save him and I will do anything for you!
Only save my Lossy!"

Poor Leon! This was the one love which had been his for so many years.
How long he had taken comfort and pleasure in lavishing his affection
upon his dog, who had learned to understand and obey his slightest
nod.

Dr. Medjora examined Lossy carefully, and looked very grave. Presently
he looked up, and p