At three o’clock while they were still picking their way between the stumps and splashing through the mudholes, the horses suddenly put up their ears and nickered.
“Other horses near,” said Brinklow.
A moment later their horses were answered by shrill whinnies from ahead. At this sound the dog stopped dead in the road, and looked around at his new masters with a doubtful air. Drawing to one side to let the horses pass, he fell in behind, coming very slowly with downcast and sullen mien. His actions and expressions were extraordinarily human.
“Certain, Wully don’t like these folks ahead of us, whoever they are,” remarked Brinklow.
Soon they perceived a man standing alongside the road, leaning on his axe handle. He had evidently been interrupted in the act of chopping firewood. He was re
