If he
could slide it across the ice-hole before the Sheep went under the rescue
would be comparatively simple work. Other skaters were dashing up from a
distance, and, with the ladder's help, they could get him out of his
death-trap without having to trust themselves on the margin of rotten
ice. Rupert sprang on to the surface of lumpy, frozen snow, and
staggered to where the ladder lay. He had already lifted it when the
rattle of a chain and a furious outburst of growls burst on his hearing,
and he was dashed to the ground by a mass of white and tawny fur. A
sturdy young yard-dog, frantic with the pleasure of performing his first
piece of actice guardian service, was ramping and snarling over him,
rendering the task of regaining his feet or securing the ladder a matter
of considerable difficulty. When he had at last succeeded in both
efforts he was just by a hair's-breadth too late to be of any use. The
Sheep had definitely disappeared under the ice-rift.
Kathleen Athling and her husband stay the greater part of the year with
Rupert, and a small Robbie stands in some danger of being idolised by a
devoted uncle. But for twelve months of the year Rupert's most
inseparable and valued companion is a sturdy tawny and white yard-dog.
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