Jeff said gently, "Put your gun down, son."
"Tell me what you're doing here! With my pop's dog!"
Jeff was astounded. "Your pop's dog?"
"That's him! That's Buster!"
Hearing the name, Pal flattened both ears and wagged his tail. He looked at the boy without going near him. Jeff tried to collect his thoughts.
"I found him a long ways from here. Clear over beyond Cressman."
Uncertainty stole some of the boy's fury. "You—you did?"
"That's right."
"Who are you?"
"My name's Jeff Tarrant and I'm a peddler. Put your gun down."