No reply, only a slow closing and opening of the eyes and an accompanying forward and backward movement of the ears.
"Go home! Go!"
The setter rose, dropped her head, and, turning dejectedly, disappeared with drooping tail into the tall grass. Both boys exclaimed at once:
"Don't drive her off, sir! Poor little Vic!"
"Well, go and see if you can coax her back. If she returns with you she may go to La Paz."
The boys ran eagerly into the grass, and soon I heard them soothing and pitying the dog, telling her that it was all right, and that she could go. But it was evident she doubted their authority to speak for me, for Henry presently came running towards me.
"She won't come, sir. Keeps moving slowly back in the direction of the fort. She looks so sorry and so tired. Only think how badly she feels, and it is a long distance to Whipple! Can't she stay with us until morning?"
"Then she will not come with you?"
"No. She is your dog, and knows it. She never disobeys you."
"But she followed me here; that looks very much like disobedience."