d; and
also never forget to keep the bowls filled with plenty of fresh
water."

"I will, ma'am."

"I am sure you will," returned Mrs. Crowninshield kindly. "And do not
worry if it takes a little time to win all the dogs over to your
authority. Dogs are like children when they change masters. They will
try to play it on you at first. Just be firm with them and soon you
will have them tagging at your heels, docile as lambs."

The task of preparing the food was soon completed and the mistress
looked on and encouraged while Walter doled it out to the famished
animals.

How daintily the wee dogs coquetted with what was given them! And how
greedily the larger ones gobbled down their allowance and lapped the
plate for more! Achilles, crouched on the lawn with his bone, crunched
it with terrifying zeal, cracking the big joint between his jaws as if
it were made of paper. His dinner devoured he ambled over toward
Walter, once more sniffed his shoes and clothing, at last nestled his
moist nose against the boy's hand.

"I think you have won Achilles to your colors already," said Mrs.
Crowninshield.

"He does seem friendly," returned His Highness, more pleased by the
dog's good will than he would have been willing to own.

"Achilles can be very friendly when he chooses," retorted his owner.
"He can also be quite the reverse. You should see him sometime when he
is on the scent of a foe. Last summer when a man broke into the
boathouse it transformed Achilles into a lion. I was certain he would
kill the fellow; as it was he mauled him badly before we could coax
him off. The thief almost died of fright and I do not wonder. He did
not need any further punishment."

She unfastened the gate to go back to the house.

Immediately there was a rush.

"No, you can't come, not one of you," declared she, addressing the
yelping pack through the netting. "I have far too much to do to be
bothered with any of you. Be good and take a nap. You're tired enough
to rest."

Still the animals barked, rebellious at their captivity.

"When I am out of sight you can let Achilles out," called she, as she
moved away. "He can be trusted to roam the place and always does when
we're here. The Airedales and the Sealyham can also run about alone as
soon as they get used to obeying you. But the little dogs must never
be let off the leash unless they are watched every instant, for
something might happen to them."

"I'll be careful."

"That's right