Page:Arthur Machen - The Hill of Dreams.djvu/133

THE HILL OF DREAMS All was again bustle and animation. 'I'll tie it round his neck?' 'Get out, mun, you don't know how it be done.' 'Iss, I do, Charley.' 'Now, let me, gwaes, now do let me.' 'You be sure he won't bite?' 'He bain't mad, be he?' 'Suppose we were to tie up his mouth first?'

The puppy still fawned and curried favour, and wagged that sorry tail, and lay down crouching on one side on the ground, sad and sorry in his heart, but still with a little gleam of hope; for now and again he tried to play, and put up his face, praying with those fond friendly eyes. And then at last his gambols and poor efforts for mercy ceased, and he lifted up his wretched voice in one long dismal whine of despair. But he licked the hand of the boy that tied the noose.

He was slowly and gently swung into the air as Lucian went by unheeded; he struggled, and his legs twisted and writhed. The 'healthy' boy pulled the rope, and his friends danced and shouted with glee. As Lucian turned the corner, the poor dangling body was swinging to and fro; the puppy was dying, but he still kicked a little.

Lucian went on his way hastily, and shuddering with disgust. The young of the human creature 123