Part 71 (1/2)

”Don't be stupid. I've spoken to father about Tom Dina.s.s.”

The dog growled furiously.

”There, you've set him off. Quiet, sir!” cried Gwyn.

”It's your doing. You worry the dog into barking like that. But look here; father said he did not like to see men idle, and that Dina.s.s had been well punished, and he would consent if the Colonel agreed. So I want you to help me.”

”I can't, Jolly, really.”

”Yes you can, and you must,” said Joe, glancing uneasily towards the door. ”For I told him he might come and see the Colonel; and if we ask him, I'm sure he'll give way. Say you'll help me.”

”I can't, old man.”

”Yes, you can, and will. Let's be forgiving. I told him he might come and see you and talk to you as he did to me, and it's just his time.

Yes; there he is.”

For there was a step at the outside, and Joe went quickly to the door.

”Come in, Tom,” said Joe.

The man, looking very much tattered and very humble, came in, hat in hand.

”Mornin', sir,” he said softly. Then his eyes seemed to lash fire, and with a savage look he threw out his arms, for with one furious growl the dog leaped at him, and fastened upon the roll of cotton neckerchief which was wrapped about his throat.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

TOM DINa.s.s SHOWS HIS TEETH.

Gwyn sprang from his seat, dashed at the dog, and caught him by the collar.

”Grip! Down!” he roared. ”Let go--let--go!”

He dragged at the furious beast, while Dina.s.s wrenched himself away.

Then there was a struggle, and Gwyn roared out,--

”Open the door, Joe. Quick! I can't hold him.”

The door was flung open, and, with the dog fighting desperately to get free, Gwyn hung on to the collar, pa.s.sed quickly, and dragged the dog after him right out of the office; then swung him round and round, turning himself as on a pivot, let go, and the animal went flying, while, before he could regain his feet, Gwyn had darted inside and banged-to the door, standing against it panting.

”I don't think you need want to come back here, Master Tom Dina.s.s,” he cried.

_Bang_!

The dog had dashed himself at the door, and now stood barking furiously till his master ran to the window and opened it.

”Go home, sir!” he roared; but the dog barked and bayed at him, raised his feet to the sill, and would have sprung in, had not Gwyn nearly closed the sash. ”Go home, sir!” he shouted again; and after a few more furiously given orders, the dog's anger burned less fiercely. He began to whine as if protesting, and finally, on receiving a blow from a walking cane thrust through the long slit between sash and window-sill, he uttered a piteous yelp, lowered his tail, and went off home.

”Don't seem to take to me somehow, Mr Gwyn, sir,” said the man. ”The chaps used to set him again' me.”

”Are you hurt?”