"Yes, fresh from the kennels; supposed to be house-and wagon-broken, steady to shot and wing--" She shrugged her pretty shoulders. "You see how he's acting already!"
"Do you mind if I try him?" suggested Siward.
"You mean that you are going to let him run?"
"I think so."
"And if he bolts?"
"I'll take my chances."
"Yes, but please consider my chances, Mr. Siward. The dog doesn't belong to me."
"But he ought to run--"
"But suppose he runs away? He's a horridly expensive creature--if you care to take the risk."
"I'll take the risk," said Siward, smiling as she drew rein. "Now Flynn, give me the leash. Quiet! Quiet, puppy! Everything is coming your way; that's the beauty of patience; great thing, patience!" He took the leader; the dog sprang from the rumble. "Now, my friend, look at me! No, don't twist and squirm and scramble; look me square in the eye; so! … Now we know each ether and we respect each other--because you are going to be a good puppy … and obey … Down charge!"
The dog, trembling with eager comprehension, dropped like a shot, muzzle laid flat between his paws. Siward unleashed him, looked down at him for a second, stooped and caressed the silky head, then with a laugh swung himself into the phaeton beside the driver, who, pretty head turned, had been looking on intently.
"Your dog is yard-broken," he said. "Look at him."
"I see. Do you think he will follow us?"
"I think so."
The horse started, Miss Landis looking back over her shoulder at the dog who lay motionless, crouched flat in the road.
Then Siward turned. "Come on, Sagamore!" he said gaily; and the dog sprang forward, circled about the moving phaeton, splitting the air with yelps of ecstasy, then tore ahead, mad with the delight of stretching cramped muscles amid the long rank grass and shrubbery of the roadside.
The girl watched him doubtfully; when he disappeared far away up the road she turned the blue inquiry of her eyes on Siward.
"He'll be back," said the young fellow, laughing; and presently the dog reappeared on a tearing gallop, white flag tossing, glorious in his new liberty, enchanted with the confidence this tall young man had reposed in him--this adorable young man, this wonderful friend who had suddenly appeared to release him from an undignified and abominable situation in a crate.