es.

"Read that account of the Stockholm dog," said Mrs. Lee.

"Yes, aunt; but first here is a story of the fidelity of a dog, which is
very affecting."

"A French merchant, having some money due from a correspondent, set out
on horseback, accompanied by his dog, on purpose to receive it. Having
settled the business to his satisfaction, he tied the bag of money
before him, and began to return home. His faithful dog, as if he entered
into his master's feelings, frisked round the horse, barked, and jumped,
and seemed to participate in his joy.

"After riding some miles, the merchant alighted to repose himself under
an agreeable shade, taking the bag of money in his hand, and laying it
down by his side under a hedge, when, upon remounting, he unfortunately
forgot it.

"The dog perceived his want of recollection, and wishing to rectify it,
ran to fetch the bag; but it was too heavy for him to drag along. He
then ran to his master, and by crying, barking, and howling, tried to
remind him of his mistake.

"Unfortunately, the merchant did not understand his language; but the
assiduous creature persevered in his efforts, and after trying to stop
the horse in vain, at last began to bite his heels.

"The gentleman, absorbed in some reverie, wholly misunderstood his
animal's expostulations, and entertained the alarming apprehension that
he had suddenly gone mad. Full of this suspicion, in crossing a brook,
he turned back to see whether the dog stopped to drink. The faithful
creature was too anxious concerning his master's business to think of
it, but continued to bark and bite with greater violence than before.

"'Mercy!' cried the affrighted merchant, 'it must be so? My poor dog is
certainly mad. What shall I do? I must kill him, lest some greater
misfortune befall me; but with what regret! O, could I find any one to
perform this cruel office for me! But there is no time to lose; I myself
may become a victim if I spare him.'

"With these words he drew a pistol from his pocket; and with a trembling
hand took aim at his faithful servant. He turned away in agony as he
fired; but his aim was too sure. The poor animal fell wounded, and
weltering in his blood, still endeavored to crawl toward his master, as
if to tax him with ingratitude. The merchant could not bear the sight:
he spurred on his horse with a heart full of sorrow, and lamented that
he had taken a journey which had cost him so dear. Still the money never
entere