here it was
welcomed warmly, and fed. As soon as its hunger was appeased the dog
disappeared. For several days this coming and going was repeated, till
at last the curiosity of those who saw its movements was excited, and
it was resolved to follow the animal, and see if anything could be
learned in explanation of Montdidier's sudden disappearance. The dog
was accordingly followed, and was seen to come to a pause on some
newly-turned-up earth, where it set up the most mournful wailings and
howlings. These cries were so touching, that passengers were
attracted; and finally digging into the ground at the spot, they found
there the body of Aubry de Montdidier. It was raised and conveyed to
Paris, where it was soon afterwards interred in one of the city
cemeteries.

The dog attached itself from this time forth to the friend, already
mentioned, of its late master. While attending on him, it chanced
several times to get a sight of Macaire, and on every occasion it
sprang upon him, and would have strangled him had it not been taken
off by force. This intensity of hate on the part of the animal
awakened a suspicion that Macaire had had some share in Montdidier's
murder, for his body showed him to have met a violent death. Charles
V., on being informed of the circumstances, wished to satisfy himself
of their truth. He caused Macaire and the dog to be brought before
him, and beheld the animal again spring upon the object of its hatred.
The king interrogated Macaire closely, but the latter would not admit
that he had been in any way connected with Montdidier's murder.

Being strongly impressed by a conviction that the conduct of the dog
was based on some guilty act of Macaire, the king ordered a combat to
take place between the officer and his dumb accuser, according to the
practice in those days between human plaintiffs and defendants. This
remarkable combat took place on the isle of Notre Dame at Paris, in
presence of the whole court. The king allowed Macaire to have a strong
club, as a defensive weapon; while, on the other hand, the only
self-preservative means allowed to the dog consisted of an empty cask,
into which it could retreat if hard pressed. The combatants appeared
in the lists. The dog seemed perfectly aware of its situation and
duty. For a short time it leapt actively round Macaire, and then, at
one spring, it fastened itself upon his throat, in so firm a manner
that he could not disentangle himself. He would have