"
Mrs. Blake was looking at me closely. I knew she was curious to know what
brought me there at that unusual hour, so I hastened to explain, and
asking her would she go with me to the Widow Larkum's while I told her of
the help I expected to afford, and also of my mishaps on the way there.
"Not to-night, dearie. These roads ain't none too safe after night for
women folks. It's a mercy you tumbled over the fence. My! what would
Mr. Winthrop say if he knowed?" she questioned solemnly.
"But he will never know, if I can get back safely."
"Dan'el and me'll go with you, and take Tiger and the lantern. They're
all afraid of the dog, if I haven't lamed him."
She went to the door and called Daniel. He came in presently, with Tiger
limping after him.
"You give him an unmerciful blow; a leetle more and he'd never barked
again."
"Bring him in and I'll give him a bone and rub the sore place with
liniment."
"Let me feed him," I begged. "I want to make friends with him."
"You'd best not put your hands on him. He don't make free with
strangers."
I took the bone; to my regret it was picked nearly bare, and I idly
resolved Tiger should have a good solid dinner the next day, if he and
I survived the mishaps of the night.
"Poor fellow! I am very, very sorry I have caused you so much pain," I
said, giving him the bone and patting his huge head fearlessly.
"Look out!" Daniel said, warningly.
"You needn't be afeard," his mother said. "Tiger knows quality.
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