Mrs F--told me another anecdote, which illustrates the fidelity and
reasoning power so frequently exhibited by the shepherd's dog.
About the year 1827, her father sold some lambs to a butcher in Melrose,
who took them away in his cart. Their shepherd had a young dog in
training at the time. Shortly after the sale of the lambs he missed
this dog, and hastened in search of him.
On reaching the chain bridge which is thrown over the river for the use
of foot-passengers, he was told that the dog had been seen standing on
it watching the butcher's cart containing the lambs, which was crossing
the ford beneath. As soon as it had gained the other bank the dog
followed it to Melrose. The shepherd pursued the supposed truant till
he reached the town, where in front of the butcher's shop stood the cart
with the lambs still in it, and the dog standing like a constable by it,
threatening every one who approached to unload it.
He had evidently considered that the animals were stolen, and that it
was his duty to keep watch over them. When, however, his master
appeared, and called him away, he seemed at once to understand that all
was right, and followed him willingly.
Be watchful over whatever is committed to your charge, and be equally
watchful over yourself.