And, once or twice, he would glance in worried
concern at these humans; as if wondering why they took so coolly
a manifestation that a thousand-year-old hereditary instinct made
the dog shrink from.
But the humans showed no outward sign of terror or of rage. And,
as ever, taking his tone from his gods, Lad decided there was
nothing to fear. So, he tried to give no further heed to the
reek.
The driver of the truck and his assistant were full of tales of
the fire's ravages in other sections. And their recital was heard
with active interest by the folk who for fourteen days had been
out of touch with the world.
"It's well we're lighting out for civilization," said the Master,
as he superintended the loading of the truck. "The woods are as
dry as tinder. And if the wind should change and grow a bit
fresher, the blaze over near Wildcat Mountain might come in this
direction. If ever it does, it'll travel faster than any gang of
fire-fighters can block it. This region is dead ripe for such a
thing. Not a drop of rain in a month . . . . No, no, Laddie!" he
broke off in his maunderings, as the collie sought to leap aboard
the truck in the wake of a roll of bedding.
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271