nd
much stronger than Ray, grossly insulted him in her presence. The
Elderby dog was the terror that had closed the short cut,--closed it to
Ray alone.

Thus into the short cut swung Ray, walking strong and free, the ache in
his throat not so painful as before. The dog would be on guard, and the
boy was empty-handed.

The shadows were deep under the trees, or possibly the dog's hate and
rage blinded him to what the buckskin had seen, or perhaps he was of a
different metal. Near the rear of the premises the big brute came in so
great a fury that he broke through the palings. The ensuing
collision,--for the boy stood his ground,--was so violent that Ray went
down underneath, and an ecstasy thrilled him when the flame swished and
the smoke stung, and he felt something sink into his shoulder and a
stifle of hot, foamy breath in his face.

It seemed to have been easily and quickly done. True, when he came erect
he was weak and tired, and swayed dizzily, and wondered why. As, without
the least exultation, or even triumph, or even gratification, he looked
down at his work, and saw with surprise how deeply the ground had been
torn up, two men with sticks came running out,--evidently there had been
some noise, despite all his care for silence. One was Mr. Elderby, the
other his coachman. The gentleman stood in astonishment as the boy,
controlling his heavy breathing, stepped into the moonlight and calmly
faced him.

"Ray Gilbert! What are you doing here, at this time of night?"

"I was walking in the path. Your dog attacked me."

"What did you kill him with?"

"My hands."

Mr. Elderby stood in wonder as he studied the lad.

"I'm thankful to God that you are alive. It's a miracle." He noticed
that Ray's clothing was torn nearly to rags. In compassion he laid a
hand on Ray's shoulder, quickly withdrew it, and examined it in the
moonlight. "You are hurt, my son. Come into the house. I'll put you to
bed and send for the doctor and your parents."

"Thank you, sir; I have something to do."

"But you must have attention.--Jake, hitch up the bay to the light
buggy,--quick,--and drive him home."

"No, sir; but I'm much obliged. I have something to do. Good night." The
shadows enveloped him.

The short cut led him over a sharp hill and into the road again, and
there he sat on the bank till his strength came back. Then he went on
till he arrived at a gate leading into a private avenue. The ache in his
throat was nearly go