His big brown eyes were almost human in their
beseeching, and plainly said, "You cannot have forgotten - you will
surely let me out!" And let him out I did. I opened the doors leading
to the yard, and almost pushing me over he rushed to the black dog
with great leaps and the most blood-curdling growls, jumping straight
over him, then around him, then over him again and again, and so like
a whirlwind, the poor black beast was soon crazy, for snap as fast as
he might, it was ever at the clear, beautiful air. Hal was always just
out of reach.
After he had worried the dog all he wanted to Hal. proceeded to
business. With a greyhound trick, he swung himself around with great
force and knocked the big dog flat upon the ground, and holding him
down with his two paws he pulled out mouthful after mouthful of long
hair, throwing it out of his mouth right and left. If the dog
attempted to raise his big head Hal was quick to give a wicked snap
that made the head fall down again. When I saw that Hal had actually
conquered the dog and had proved that he-was the splendid hound I had
ever considered him to be, I told West to go out at once and separate
them. But for the very first time West was slow - he went like a snail.
It seemed that one of the dogs had snapped at his leg once, and I
believe he would have been delighted if Hal had gnawed the dog flesh
and bone. He pulled Hal in by his collar and opened the gate for Turk,
and soon things were quite once more.
All that day Hal's eyes were like stars, and one could almost see a
grin on his mouth. He was ever on the alert, and would frequently look
out on the yard, wag his tail and growl. The strangest thing about it
all is, that not once since that morning has he paid the slightest
attention to Cressy or the two dogs, except to growl a little when
they have happened to meet. Turk must have told his companion about
the fight, for he, too, finds attractions in another direction when he
sees Hal coming.
Some of our friends have found pleasure in teasing me about my
sporting taste, private arena, and so on, but I do not mind so very
much, since the fight brought about peace, and proved that Hal has
plenty of pluck. Those two Knight dogs are looked upon as savage
wolves by every mother in the garrison, and when it is known that they
are out, mothers and nurses run to gather in their small people.
Hal has developed a taste for hunting that has been giving trouble
lately, when he has run off with Magic and the other hounds.
