ant to waste any
time. Go ahead and see if there's anyone in that end of the stable."
Two minutes later, the pair groped their way through the dense gloom,
to Stall Five. They walked with exaggerated care; though the roar of
the storm would have deadened the sound of a cavalry charge. Handing
over the bowl and sponge to his assistant, Higham produced from under
his coat a thick burlap bag with a drawstring at its neck. Then, he
opened the door of the box stall, a few inches and stared in.

By straining his eyes, he could just see the vague outline of the big
collie. The dog arose from a bundle of straw, stretched himself fore
and aft, and walked gravely forward to welcome the visitors who were so
kindly easing his loneliness. He was barely visible, in the dimness.

But there was light enough for Higham's purpose. With practiced hand,
he shoved the bag over the beautiful silken head, as the collie stepped
majestically toward him. Then, deftly, he threw the indignant and
struggling dog to the floor, and bade the boy come in; and shut the
gate behind him.

With the passing of another hour, the rain ceased; and a glory of
afternoon sunlight bathed the freshened world. At about the same time,
the belated collie judge arrived at the clubhouse. Word was sent forth
that all dogs were to be returned to their benches and that the judging
of the collies and of certain other breeds would begin at once.

There was a general hustle and confusion, as exhibitors led forth their
dogs from shelter; benching them and plying brush and chalk and towel
in frantic haste.

Higham summoned Rice and another of the kennel men and bade them bring
forth the Lochaber dogs. Instead of helping them with his task, Higham
himself ran to the top of the clubhouse steps, from which he could
survey not only the benches but also the stables and the lawn between.
There, quivering with hard-held excitement, he stood; with the air of
one who has chosen a grandstand seat for some thrilling event. He wore
a pair of thick gloves. As he had discarded the linen duster which he
had worn during the dyeing process, there was no betraying splash of
color on his severely correct garb.

People were trooping out from the shelter of the clubhouse. With half
an eye, Higham observed these; chuckling at thought of the
everincreasing number of spectators to his rare comedy. Of a sudden,
the chuckle changed to a gasp.

Out through the doorway, and onto the veranda, strol