Still the animals barked, rebellious at their captivity.
"When I am out of sight you can let Achilles out," called she, as she moved away. "He can be trusted to roam the place and always does when we're here. The Airedales and the Sealyham can also run about alone as soon as they get used to obeying you. But the little dogs must never be let off the leash unless they are watched every instant, for something might happen to them."
"I'll be careful."
"That's right; do."
The woman gave him a pleasant nod of farewell and walked with springing step back in the direction of the house. As she went Walter saw her halt and speak to old Tim, who was at work in the rose garden, and beheld the gardener leap proudly forward to cut for her a blossom she had evidently admired.
It was even as Jerry had said. She was the idol of Surfside.
After she had disappeared he opened the wicket and stepped out, letting Achilles follow him.
Instantly the great creature put his nose to the ground and with a joyous bark he was gone in search of his mistress.
It was now or never with the new master of the hounds.
The lad whistled but the dog did not turn. Again he gave a quick call. This time the rushing beast paused, looked round, and then slackening his pace, continued to jog along on his way.