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  weak by this time, Deshay being perhaps the strongest, because Claud had shared his own and the hound's food with him in the hope of prolonging the dog's life. In spite of this the lad held up wonderfully, sustained by his marvellous nervous vitality.

" 'It seems to me that Dixie has earned his right to live,' said Claud, the tears streaming from his eyes. 'He has already fed us for ten days; but if you all demand that he—be killed—I will not oppose it!' He buried his face in his hands.

" 'Guess you won't!' growled Deshay. 'We do demand it'

" 'Speak for yourself, you mongrel swine!' said I, and added that I would starve before I would kill the hound or eat him, either. You see, Doctor, to my way of thinking Dixie had purchased the human right to die decently, like the brave, unselfish gentleman he was. Besides, he had the cleanest soul of any, save, perhaps, his master. What right had we to [ 228 ]