But Leon made no reply. With his face now on fire with rage, he retreated a few steps and looked under the table. He called quickly to something that was there, and as he called, a huge dog came forth and stood by his side. This dog he led forward, and pointed at Reginald.
The servants looked on with pale faces at this scene, overcome with horror as they saw Leon's purpose.
“Go,” said Leon, fiercely, to Reginald, “or you'll be sorry.”
Reginald said nothing, but put his hand into his breast pocket and drew forth a revolver. It was not a very common weapon in England in those days, but Reginald had picked one up in his wanderings, and had brought it with him on the present occasion. Leon, however, did not seem to notice it. He was intent on one purpose, and that was to drive Reginald away.
He therefore put his hand on the dog's head, and, pointing toward his brother, shouted, “At him, Sir!” The dog hesitated for a moment. His master called again. The huge brute gathered himself up. One more cry from the now frenzied Leon, and the dog gave a tremendous leap forward full at Reginald's throat.
A cry of horror burst from the servants. They were by no means oversensitive, but this scene was too terrible.
The dog sprang.
But at that instant the loud report of Reginald's revolver rang through the house, and the fierce beast, with a sharp howl, fell back, and lay on the floor writhing in his death agony. The wound was a mortal one.
Reginald replaced his pistol in his pocket.
“I'm sorry for the poor beast,” said he, as he looked at the dog for a moment, “but I could not help it. And you,” he continued, turning to the servants, “go down stairs. When I want you I will call for you. Holder will tell you who I am.”