“I'm thinking, sir! I'm thinking. You didn't touch him?”
“Touch him, no; what should I touch him for?”
“Well, don't do it, sir. And don't go near him. You have had an escape, you have. He was in two minds about pitching into you.”
“You think it was rage! Humph! it did not give me that impression.”
“Sir, did you ever go to pat a strange dog?”
“I have done myself that honor.”
“Well, if he wags his tail you know it is all right; but say he puts his tail between his legs, what will he do if you pat him?”
“Bite me. Experto crede.”
“No! if you are ever so expert he will bite you or try. Now putting of his tail between his legs, that passes for a sign of fear in a dog, all one as trembling does in a man. Do you see what I am driving at?”
“Yes.”