Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/294

 those that killed the dogs, and that there is no magic about it.'

"‘It needs just another touch to convert 'em, and we haven't got a single dog in reserve,' groaned Tib, sadly.

"‘But there's one dog still intact,' I reminded him. "‘Yes, yes, Mr. Smith, the little dog!' urged Danby.

"‘But, hang it all, I only know he was little and that a big pup bit him in the ear when he dodged into the banquet,' lamented Tib.

"‘Little dog, mutilated ear!' I cheered.

"‘Why, say, that certainly does identify him,' cried Tib.

"‘Tell them, Mike, to bring forth a little dog with a bloody ear if they want further proof,' commanded Danby, throwing forward his rifle.

"‘No, no,' cried Tib, 'no gun-play! They'll only think we're shooting exploding-bullets or something. We must make them explode him.'

"‘But how?' I gasped.

"‘Tell 'em to trot him out,' commanded Tib, to Mike.

"The interpreter gave the order, and soon answered. 'They say, sahib, they have the dog,' explained Mike.

"‘Tell 'em to strike him on his side with a big club at least ten times,' directed Tib.