The collie's feeble old
body was tense; his eyes blazed with indignant fury. His hackles
bristled. The yellowed and useless teeth glinted from beneath
back-writhed lips. For all his age, Lad was a terrible and
terrifying figure as he stood guard over the helpless waif.
Ruloff hesitated an instant, taken aback by the apparition. Sonya
ceased shrieking. Lad was here to protect her. Over her
frightened soul came that former queer sense of safety. She got
up, tremblingly, and pressed close to the furry giant who had
come to her rescue. She glared defiantly up at Ruloff.
Perhaps it was this glare; perhaps it was the knowledge that Lad
was very old and the sight of his worn-down teeth; perhaps it was
the need of maintaining his hold of fear over the rebellious
child. At all events, Ruloff swung aloft the belt once more and
strode toward the two; balancing himself for a kick at the
thundrously growling dog.
The kick did not land. For, even as Sonya cried out in new
terror, Lad launched himself at the Slav.
All unprepared for the clash, and being an utter coward at
heart--if he had a heart--the father reeled back, under the
impact.
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