Dog and Wolf (1911)

• 84%
• 1911
• Drama
• Émile Chautard
• Edmond Duquesne
• Olga Demidoff
• Henri Gouget

While the old surgeon is visiting a patient, his maid, walking in the garden, notices indications that someone has recently climbed the wall. She is frightened, and tells her misgivings to the old surgeon, who sends her off to bed, bidding her not to worry, for his faithful dog Black is always at hand to defend him. The surgeon leisurely lights his pipe and settles himself to his easy-chair, preparatory to enjoying his evening paper, after a fatiguing day. His dog Black, however, shows signs of restlessness, and at last the master, having confidence in the dog's instinct, is certain that something is wrong. He takes a lantern, calls his dog, and goes out to investigate. Almost immediately Black makes a dash for some nearby shrubbery, and when the surgeon reaches the spot, he finds that a tramp is being savagely attacked by the dog. Seeing the agony on the victim's face he calls the dog off, and takes the man into his study, feeling for him only as a doctor feels for a patient. With all tenderness the surgeon dresses the wounds, while the man gazes about him with the expression of an entrapped beast. His gaze finally rests upon the plenteous viands upon the table, and his eyes take on a ravenous look. The kind old gentleman talks graciously to the vagabond, telling him he must have lost his way, and inviting him next time to knock at the door, and not climb the wall. The tramp's heart is touched by such kindness, which causes him to weep, for the man he would have wronged has shown him courtesy, and given him food; the old surgeon is thus full sure, as he accompanies the tramp to the door, that he has helped him back to a better life.