“Come in,” said Louise, faintly.
The door opened and a huge dog sprang into the room, followed by its master.
The woman screamed.
“Don’t be afraid, miss, it is only me and Crackers. We won’t hurt her, will we, Crackers, old boy?”
Louise was not so much afraid of the evil-looking cur as she was of the monstrosity that accompanied it.
The newcomer was not over four feet in height, although his body seemed to have been intended for a man at least two feet taller.
He wore a pair of pants at least a dozen sizes too large and his coat hung about him in folds.
His head was very large, and the heavy shock of red hair that covered it seemed to add to its size.
“Don’t come near me,” cried Louise, as the creature approached the sofa.
“I won’t harm you.”