"And so the leaders and these markers really help the shepherds to manage the flock?"
"Aye. But you're leaving out the shepherd's best helper."
Sandy's face suddenly softened into tenderness.
"His best helper?" repeated Donald.
"Aye, laddie! His dogs!"
Bending down the Scotchman thrust his hand into the ruff of shaggy hair about the neck of one of the collies beside him. There was a low growl from the other dog, who rose and rested his pointed nose on Sandy's knee.
The man laughed.
"Robin," he said, addressing the collie before him, "must you always take it amiss if I have a word for Prince Charlie? You're no gentleman! Down, both of you!"
The collies crouched at his feet.
"I never can speak to one without speaking to the other," he went on. "They are jealous as magpies."