“Before you are ready to move,” replied he; and upon this he left the shop, and hastened forward to perform the errand.
After a short absence only, he was again at the door of the barber’s shop; on opening which, he was informed that his friend was already gone.
“Gone!” said the other with some surprise. But as the dog, which belonged to his friend, was still sitting without the door, he ceased to wonder; and, as his friend would probably be back soon, he seated himself, and chatted with the barber, till he should return.
A half hour had passed, and he began to be impatient. At length, he went out, and walked up and down the street; but nothing could he see or learn of his friend. Again he returned to the shop, and again interrogated the barber. “Did my friend leave any message for me?” “No,” said the barber, “all I know is, that when he was shaved he went out.”
“It is strange,” said the man.
“It is singular,” said the barber. “I wish I could help you, my friend. Pray command my services, as you please.”
But the stranger knew not what measures to adopt. At length, the singular movements of the dog, still there, attracted his notice. He appeared restless and watchful; and, at intervals, uttered a low and piteous howl. This startled the stranger, and the suspicion of foul play crossed his mind. He hinted his suspicion, delicately indeed, but the barber took fire and ordered him to quit the shop.
The manner of the barber rather increased than allayed his suspicion. And then the dog—his conduct was inexplicable. Nothing would induce him to quit the place. The poor animal appeared kind to the remaining stranger, but nothing would induce him to stir from the spot.
The distress of the stranger now amounted to agony. At length he ventured to make known his story to some passers-by. They stopped and listened. Others came up and listened also. A crowd was soon collected.
By some it was proposed to send for the officers of the police. Others said, “No, let us search the house.” This latter course was at length agreed upon. Accordingly, a competent number of men entered, and as the people greatly increased without, they barred the door, and began to examine. No discovery, however, was made, and the search was relinquished.