As the boy and girl neared the door, Trompke awoke. Dogs do not sleep as soundly as people. Trompke's brow wrinkled. He cocked his puzzled head on one side. His tail began to speak.
"Where are you going, my little master?" asked Trompke's tail.
But the children were at the door. They did not hear the tail language.
So Trompke had to use his mouth. He barked. He barked again.
Philippe clutched Zelie's hand and ran out of the cave.
PHILIPPE CLUTCHED ZELIE'S HAND
But the first bark had awakened Tom. He was up like a jack rabbit. He cried out to them to stop. But they kept on running.
Tom was swift, and it was not long before he overtook them. Back to the cave he brought them. Philippe could see that he was very angry.
"Make ready to leave," he commanded Zelie.