Mr. Craven turned wild with rage, and his soft voice trembled as he said:
"Really, Frank, it is hardly fair to your visitors to keep such a fierce animal about."
"He didn't know you, sir. To-morrow I will make you acquainted, and then there will be no danger of this occurring again."
"I really hope not," said Craven, laughing rather discordantly.
"I hope he hasn't bitten you, sir."
"No, but he has torn my coat badly. However, it's of no consequence. Accidents will happen."
"He takes it very well," thought Frank, as Mr. Craven said good-night. But it was by a strong effort that his future step-father had done so.
"Curse the dog!" he said to himself, with suppressed passion. "After I am married and fairly settled down, I will shoot him. Thus I will spite the boy and revenge myself on the brute at the same time."