"Hold him, Richard! Hold him! If he bites me I'll sue your father for damages!"
He reached the library and slammed shut the door. Mr. Hamilton followed more slowly, endeavoring not to smile or laugh.
"Better put Grit outside, Dick," he said. "Your uncle is going home in the morning."
"All right," agreed the young millionaire, somewhat regretfully. "Come on, Grit, old man, we'll go out to the stable and see how Rex is getting along," for Dick had not greeted his pet horse since his return from the academy.
Mr. Hamilton continued on to the library, and tried the door. It was locked.
"Let me in, Ezra," he called.
"Is that savage dog gone?" inquired Mr. Larabee, with anxiety in his voice.
"Yes, Dick has taken him to the stable."
"That's where he belongs. Wait a minute and I'll open the door."
There were sounds inside, as though tables and chairs were being moved away from the portal, and then Uncle Ezra's lean face was thrust carefully out of a crack of the door, as he cautiously opened it. He took a survey up and down the hall, and, seeing no signs of Grit, swung the door wider.