The dog's lion-roar blended with the panic-screeches of the
victim. And, under that fearful impact, Rhuburger reeled back
from the stairhead, and went crashing down the steps, to the
broad stone flagging at the bottom.
Not once, during that meteoric, shriek-punctured downward flight,
did Lad loose his grip on the torn forearm. But as the two struck
the flagging at the bottom, he shifted his hold, with lightning
speed; stabbing once more for the exposed jugular.
He lunged murderously at his mark. Yes, and this time he found
it. His teeth had touched the pudgy throat, and began to cleave
their remorseless way to the very life of the man who had slain
Lady.
But, out of the jumble of cries and stamping feet and explosive
shouts from the scared onlookers on the veranda above, one
staccato yell pierced the swirl of rage-mists in the avenging
collie's brain.
"LAD!" came the Master's sharp, scandalized mandate. "LAD!!!"
Hating the thought of desisting from his cherished revenge, the
dog heard and heeded. With visible reluctance, he drew back from
the slaughter; and turned his noble head to face the man who was
running down the steps toward him.
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