"I—I thought I should be safer here," he said, Robert wanted to laugh, but he was polite, and refrained.
"I—I hope he won't bite you."
"I'll risk it, sir."
"What a terrible situation! I don't dare to come down."
"I think you may, sir; I will protect you."
"How can you? You wouldn't be a match for a dog like that."
By this time Tiger had got over his fierce demonstrations, and seemed quite friendly.
"You see he has got over his fierceness. You had better come down."
"Do you really think it would be safe?"
"I am sure of it."