"Is your dog's life insured?" asked Anak, calmly.
He waited till the dog was within a foot or two, aiming to attack his leg; then he raised one of his powerful feet, aimed a tremendous kick at Bruiser, and the dog was stretched senseless at his feet.
"It's your own fault," said Anak, turning to the farmer; "your dog is probably dead. Now, untie that boy."
Tarbox by this time seemed thoroughly frightened. With dark, sullen looks he obeyed the giant, and Jimmy, overjoyed to recover his freedom, stretched his arms and legs.
"Now, go for the doctor as fast as you please," said Anak.
The two brothers quickly started on their errand, and Anak, turning to Tarbox, said, "You miserable brute, if I ever hear of your attempting to abuse a poor boy again, I'll travel five hundred miles if necessary to kick you as I have kicked your dog. Go back to your house or I may do it now."
Tarbox needed no second order. He was rather afraid that he too might feel the weight of the giant's boot, and he hurried away. Safe in his own yard, he shouted, "I'll have you punished for this, you big rascal!"
Anak only laughed.
"We may as well be going back, Robert," he said; "I don't want to get into any more fights."