artily wishing Aleck somewhere else. "I suppose he has taken a
dislike to you. Dogs do sometimes, you know."

Next second it struck him that this was one of those things that had
better have been left unsaid, and he grew more uncomfortable than
ever. But at this very moment the situation was rendered intensely
lively by the approach of the redoubtable Snarleyow himself, who,
having snapped at the horse's heels all the way to the stables, had on
his return to the front of the house spotted Aleck from afar. He was
now advancing on tiptoe in full order of battle, his wicked-looking
teeth gleaming, and his coat and tail standing out like an angry
bear's.

Arthur, already sufficiently put out about the dog question, thought
it best to take no notice; and even when he distinctly heard George
quietly "sah" on his dog as he passed him, he contented himself with
giving Aleck a kick by way of a warning to behave himself, and entered
into some desultory conversation with Philip. But presently a series
of growls behind him announced that an encounter was imminent. Looking
round, he perceived that Snarleyow was standing over the bull-dog, of
which he was more than twice the size, and holding on to the skin of
his neck with his long teeth; whilst George was looking on with
scarcely suppressed amusement.

"I think, Mr. Caresfoot, that you had better call your dog off," said
Arthur, good-temperedly. "Mine is a peaceable animal, but he is an
awkward customer when he does fight."

"Oh! better let them settle it; they will be much better friends
afterwards. Hold him, Snarleyow."

Thus encouraged, the big dog seized the other, and fairly lifted him
off the ground, shaking him violently--a proceeding that had the
effect of thoroughly rousing Aleck's temper. And then began a most
Homeric combat. At first the bull-dog was dreadfully mauled; his
antagonist's size, weight, and length of leg and jaw, to say nothing
of the thick coat by which he was protected, all telling against him.
But he took his punishment very quietly, never so much as uttering a
growl, in strange contrast to the big dog's vociferous style of doing
business. And at last patience was rewarded by his enemy's fore-paw
finding its way into Aleck's powerful jaw, and remaining there till
Snarleyow's attentions to the back of his neck forced him to shift his
hold. From that time forward the sheep-dog had to fight on three legs,
which he found demoralizing. But still he had t