Now, from puppyhood, Lad had been taught to
regard everything in the car as under his own careful
guardianship. Hence, he lunged forward and sank his terrible
white teeth deep into the groping fingers.
By main force the youth tore free. With a second screech, he
reeled back from the unseen peril which had assailed him. But Lad
would not have it so.
There was a harsh-breathed growl, from down in the tonneau; and,
on the instant, a tawny giant shape came catapulting over the top
of the shut door and hurled itself upon the staggering negro.
The Master, turning at sound of the yell, was just in time to see
the attack. The collie,--supposedly ninety miles away, and
peacefully guarding the Place,--was hurtling through the air and
crashing against the chest of a gray-faced and pop-eyed young
negro. To earth went the two; in a cloud of dust; a second before
the Master's sharp call brought Lad reluctantly away from his
prey, and just as a policeman and a score of idlers came running
up.
The thief did not wait to explain. No sooner did he see the
Master catch the infuriated dog by the ruff than he scrambled to
his feet; ducked under the policeman's arm and set off, around a
corner, in something better than record time.
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