Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/49



WO or three days after the battle, as Sir Wilton did not put in an appearance at the farm buildings, where he was in the habit of coming often, Mr. Pederson went to look for him. He first discovered Black Fury limping about on three legs with a strained shoulder, and bearing many other scars. Mr. Pederson's suspicions were at once aroused. Finally he found poor Sir Wilton, the pride of his farm, lying where he had fallen. He was pounded into the snow as though with a pile-driver, and the snow for a hundred feet around showed how desperate the struggle had been.

At first, Mr. Pederson was so angry that he declared he would shoot Black Fury, but finally reflected that such a