i do not say that he understood me , even though i realize that an airedale is a mighty intelligent dog ; but i do swear that he seemed to understand me , for he wheeled about , barking joyously and trotted off toward the west ; and when i didnt follow him , he ran back to me barking furiously , and at last taking hold of the calf of my leg in an effort to pull me along in the direction he wished me to go .