And this is what had happened to Buster. Finding nothing special to do at the farm of Mr. Tottle, Buster had wandered over the fields to the home of Larry and Alice. Buster had not been over to see the children for some time, and he may have forgotten all about the woodchuck in a pen in the back yard.
But Buster had no sooner come close to the yard than the wind blew to him the wild smell of Winkie, for, like most animals, Winkie had a wild smell about her, and a dog’s nose is very keen for smelling.
“Oh, ho!” thought Buster to himself, in a way dogs have of thinking. “That woodchuck! I forgot all about her! Guess I’ll go and tease her, as I haven’t anything else to do!”
With a loud bark Buster made his way into the yard. As it happened, Mrs. Dawson was not home just then, or she would have driven Buster away. But the children’s mother had gone to call on a neighbor, and Buster had everything his own way.
“Now I’ll get you!” cried the dog in animal language, as he made a dash against Winkie’s pen.
“Stop! Stop! Go on away! Let me alone!” begged Winkie, whistling and chattering her teeth, because she was so frightened.
“Oh, I’m not going to hurt you! I’m just going to chase you out of that pen and make you run!” said Buster. “I like to chase rabbits and other wild animals. I won’t bite you. I just want to chase you! Come on out!”
“No! No! I’m not coming out!” declared Winkie. “You aren’t nice like Don!”
“Pooh! I wouldn’t be a dog like Don—afraid to chase a rabbit or a squirrel!” sneered Buster. “I’m going to chase you, and if you don’t come out I’ll make you!”
“No, I’m not coming out!” chattered Winkie, and she ran into her sleeping box to hide in the hay.