To tell the truth, the boys were a little frightened at this gun-fire so close at hand, especially Jack, and they watched anxiously as the man reloaded his gun. But the birds had disappeared and the man started off in the direction they had taken. He whistled to his dog, but a new scent had attracted her attention, and she trotted down toward the brook and began sniffing the air.
"She smells our potatoes," said Ernest.
Jack forgot his fears in this new interest.
"Let's call her over," said he.
"Come here, sir!" called Ernest, making a kissing noise with his lips. "Come here!"
The dog lightly leaped the brook and came slowly up the bank toward the Cave, her tail waving in a friendly manner. Ernest scraped out a bit of potato and held it out to her. She stood for a moment, sniffing, as if in doubt. Then she came forward and daintily took the proffered food. In a few minutes both boys were smoothing the silky head, looking into the fine eyes, and talking to their visitor.
"Tryin' to steal my dog?"
They had not noticed the man's approach, he had stepped so softly, and the gruff voice so close beside them startled them.
"Oh, no," protested Ernest, hurriedly. "She—we——"
The man's face was very solemn, but there was a humorous twinkle in his eyes that somehow made the boys feel easier. The dog placed her paw on Jack's arm as though begging for more petting.