The situation seemed incredible, Duke had never deliberately attacked any human being before. Now to attack a defenseless man!
Hugh Kelley ran a few steps, drawing his pistol. He would not hurt the dog seriously, if it were possible to avoid, but Jeanne’s friend must be protected.
However, the great dog had not thrown the soldier down, as they had all expected As he reached him he stopped short, looked at him closely and then with indescribable gentleness and affection began licking his hand, pressing his great silver-gray body as close as possible to the emaciated figure without disturbing him.
And the French soldier did not seem frightened. Gropingly, it is true, nevertheless he reached down and laid his hand on Duke’s head.
An instant before Jeanne had witnessed the meeting, but seeing that the dog did not intend to hurt her friend, she had remained still.
Now she turned to Nona and Barbara her eyes filled with tears.
“My Captain has found someone who knows him,” she remarked quietly. Then she went over and took the French soldier’s disengaged hand.
“Jeanne,” he whispered.
“Are we mad, Nona? I think perhaps I am,” Barbara murmured, her face suddenly having grown white and her voice shaking.
Nona shook her head.