The gardener's dog fell into a deep well, which his master used for watering plants with a rope and bucket. Unable to rescue the dog with these tools, the gardener descended into the well himself. However, the dog, thinking his master intended to drown him, bit the gardener severely as soon as he was within reach. Injured, the gardener left the dog to its fate and climbed out, remarking, "It serves me right for trying to save so determined a suicide."