Rab, the great mastiff, claims first place in our minds, dog though he is; but James and Ailie are such lovable beings that we never can forget them.
The story has been read through; we have followed the simple incidents to their pathetic climax; we have learned to know Rab by sight and to recognize his sterling character; James the honest, tender-hearted carrier, and gentle, suffering Ailie, his wife, have taken their places among the dear friends our imagination has created; we have noted the power of the author, his humor, his scholarly English and his sympathetic touch. We may have read the story more than once—at any rate we have read portions of it several times, so we can trace the emotions that are felt by the noble dog.
Page 100: When the little white bull terrier fastens himself upon Rab’s throat and the strong muzzle prevents the big fellow from defending himself, “his whole frame stiffens with indignation and surprise.” “He looked a statue of anger and astonishment.”
After Rab had been released from his muzzle and had killed the little terrier, “he looked down at his victim appeased, ashamed and amazed.”
Page 103: When his master aimed a kick at him, he “drew cringing up” and “slunk dismayed under the cart.”
When his master spoke kindly, “‘Rab, ma man, puir Rabbie,’” “the stump of a tail rose up, the ears were cocked, the eyes filled, and were comforted”; Rab showed pride and happiness again.
Page 104: He was pleased when the medical student scratched his huge head, and anxious, when no notice was taken of him.
When he first came to the hospital he felt pride and condescension, “like the Duke of Wellington entering a subdued city.”
Page 106: When James handed Ailie from the cart, “Rab looked on concerned and puzzled.”
Page 106: In the consulting room Rab was filled with suspicion and uneasiness; he was “grim and comic,” and eyed all three.