We can’t possibly use the rope-ladder to-night to rescue Prince Paul,” said Jack. “For one thing, there are those fierce dogs. They would never let us get into the grounds at night. They would bark the place down.“
“Gracious! I forgot the dogs!” said Nora in dismay. “What can we do, then?”
“The only thing to do is to make friends with the dogs,” said Jack.
The other three stared at him. None of them felt that they wanted to make friends with the two big dogs. Jack grinned.
“Don’t look so scared,” he said. “I’ll be the one to make friends. Animals are good with me. Until I met you and came to live with you I lived on a farm, and I know all about animals and their ways.”
“Oh, Jack!” said Nora. “You’re marvellous! Will you really make friends with those dogs?”
“It’s the only thing to do.” said Jack. “And I’m going to begin to-night. As soon as those dogs will let me pass in as a friend, I’ll be able to take the rope-ladder in some night and get Prince Paul down.”
“How are you going to make friends?” asked Mike.
“I’ll get some meat and biscuits from Dimmy,” said Jack.
“She will think you’re hungry all of a sudden,” said Mike with a grin.