But Nancy was stricken with that painful self-consciousness that so often lately had taken possession of her. The changeable girl, even her friends were calling her; why did she so love—to change?
“Look!” whispered Ted, directing her attention to the dog. “He—hears—it!”
Nero was now alert, head cocked to one side, ears pricked up, and every dog-feature of him ready to pounce.
Ted and Nancy watched him, breathless.
A little snapping bark, a growl, long and threatening; then a wild, fierce howl, and the big creature dashed against the fireboard!
“There!” exclaimed Ted. “I told you so!”
“What is it?” gasped Nancy.
But the barking of Nero shut out even the sound of their voices, and as brother and sister looked on, the big dog pawed the fireboard, scratching away the paper, birds, flowers, impossible sky and all.
Presently he turned from that attack and dashed to the back door. Ted and Nancy were quick to follow him.
“Let him out,” Nancy directed. “He may know there’s someone around.”