“No, thank you. I had a jolly supper at Mr. Davenport’s.”
Mrs. Middleton was relieved to hear this, and did not press her invitation.
The next day Tom went on an exploring expedition. He was returning about the middle of the afternoon, when he was startled by a young girl’s shriek. Turning his head he saw a terrified figure pursued by a fierce dog. A moment’s glance revealed to him that it was Mary Somers.
She recognized him at the same moment.
“Oh, save me, Mr. Temple!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands.
“I will,” said Tom resolutely.
CHAPTER IX
THE DOG AND HIS MASTER.
TOM HAD been in the woods, where by good fortune he had cut a stout stick with a thick, gnarled top, something like the top of a cane. Armed with this weapon, he rushed between Mary and her pursuer, and brought down the knob with full force on the dog’s back. The attention of the furious animal—a large bull-dog—was diverted to his assailant. With a fierce howl he rushed upon Tom. But our hero was wary and expected the attack. He jumped on one side and brought down the stick with terrible force upon the dog’s head. The animal fell, partially stunned, his quivering tongue protruding from his mouth.