He groped for a
rock-fragment to hurl up at the rackety collie.
Then, the child paused in his fumbling. The dog had scant reason
to love him or to seek his society. Of late, Lad had kept out of
his way as much as possible. Thus it was not likely the collie
had come here of his own accord, on such a night; for the mere
joy of being with his tormentor.
His presence must mean that the Master was close behind; and that
the whole Place was in a ferment of anxiety about the wanderer.
By stoning Lad away and checking the barks, Cyril might well
prevent the searchers from finding him. Too weak and too numb
with cold to climb up the five-foot cliff-face to the level
ground above, he did not want to miss any chance for rescue.
Hence, as Lad ceased to bark, the child set up a yell, with all
his slight lung-power, to attract the seekers' notice. He ordered
Lad to "Speak!" and shook his fist angrily at the dog, when no
answering bark followed.
Despairing of making anyone hear his trumpeting announcement that
he had found the child, Lad presently made up his mind as to the
only course that remained.
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